REVIEW: Mrs. Doubtfire

Helllooooo Dearies… Opening night of Mrs. Doubtfire at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts was pure fun. The audience was ready for it, too—you could feel that mix of nostalgia and excitement as soon as the lights went down. The show leans into the humor people love, with big physical comedy, loads of impressions, quick costume changes, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that kept the energy up all night.

Craig Allen Smith, playing Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire, carries the show with nonstop energy and a lot of heart. It’s got to be incredibly hard to play a role that originated with Robin Williams, but he does it spectacularly. And, it’s not just the comedy (though there’s plenty of that), but the way the character’s love for his kids comes through in the quieter moments. Who would think that Mrs. Doubtfire could make you cry?

The supporting cast adds a ton of charm, especially the kids, and the ensemble numbers keep things moving. It’s one of those shows where you can tell the cast is having a great time, and it pulls the audience right along with them. Shout out to Brian Kalinowski playing Frank Hillard and Devon Wycovia Buchanan playing Andre. THEY BROUGHT THE HUMOR (See the play to get the joke in the prior sentence and you too will be giggling along).

Visually, the production is a treat. The set moves smoothly from scene to scene, and the quick changes are impressive to watch in real time. The costumes and makeup, especially the transformation into Mrs. Doubtfire, are spot on. And the dream sequence is an absolute standout. You may ask what’s better than Mrs. Doubtfire? The answer is eight Mrs. Doubtfires! This scene is over-the-top in the best way and easily one of the most memorable moments of the night.

Overall, Mrs. Doubtfire is an enjoyable night at the theater. It’s funny, fast-moving, and has enough heart to balance it all out. Opening night at the Ordway felt like exactly what I was hoping for. This production is entertaining, hilarious, and easy to love.

Mrs. Doubtfire is at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul through March 22, 2026.

Review by Tracy Whitney; photo by Joan Marcus