Currently playing at the Marquis Theatre since April 23, 2019, the Broadway musical Tootsie has become one of the most talked-about new shows of the year, earning 11 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical. Since its opening, the production has consistently ranked among the Top 10 highest-grossing shows on Broadway, coming in just behind Aladdin at No. 8 last week. This article explores why Tootsie has achieved such box office success, and highlights what American critics are saying about the show.
Tootsie – 2019’s top comedy musical
The new Broadway musical Tootsie is based on the hit 1982 film starring Dustin Hoffman, which earned over $200 million at the U.S. box office and became the second highest-grossing film of that year. The movie remains one of the most beloved comedies in Hollywood history.
The story follows a struggling middle-aged actor who disguises himself as a woman and unexpectedly becomes a superstar. Packed with sharp American humor, it’s a laugh-out-loud comedy with a surprisingly heartfelt ending. Fans of Robin Williams’ Mrs. Doubtfire will recognize similar themes of disguise, identity, and compassion.As the lead’s double life spirals out of control, romance and chaos follow, creating a show full of hilarious misunderstandings and big-hearted moments. Tootsie is a must-see for anyone who loves clever, fast-paced Broadway comedy.
Why Tootsie is a Broadway hit
In the May 19 Broadway grosses, Tootsie ranked eighth overall, just below Aladdin. Considering it opened less than a month prior, its strong performance is remarkable. Here’s what’s driving the buzz and box office success.
An award-winning creative team
| Best Direction of a Musical | Scott Ellis 9-time Tony nominee |
| Best Book of a Musical | Robert Horn First nomination |
| Best Original Score | David Yazbek Winner of Best Original Score for The Band’s Visit (2018) |
| Best Costume Design of a Musical | William Ivey Long 15-time nominee |
| Best Choreography | Denis Jones 2-time nominee |
Faithful to the film, fresh for Broadway
While some Broadway adaptations like Aladdin or King Kong focus on replicating their films, Tootsie succeeds by reimagining the story for the stage while keeping the movie’s spirit intact. The original’s key plotlines remain, but new songs and moments were added to suit the energy of live theater.
In the film, Michael Dorsey auditions for a soap opera, but in the stage version, he auditions for a Broadway musical. This clever change lets the show highlight backstage life and the creative process, creating a fun meta-theatrical experience that resonates with theatergoers. The production balances nostalgia with originality, making it feel both familiar and brand-new.
The show’s smart blend of humor, music, and self-awareness makes it accessible even to those who haven’t seen the movie. Its witty lyrics and heartfelt performances bring the story to life in a refreshing way that perfectly fits modern Broadway.
A fresh look at gender and modern feminism
Tootsie also offers a thoughtful perspective on gender roles and feminism. When the original film premiered in the early 1980s, America was experiencing major social change as women entered the workforce in greater numbers. By having a man live as a woman, the story provided a humorous but insightful look at gender expectations.
In today’s context, the Broadway adaptation updates the tone for a new era. The heroine is now portrayed as a strong, independent woman, reflecting 21st-century attitudes while retaining the story’s feminist core. The result is a show that makes audiences laugh—and think—about equality in the modern workplace.
Critical acclaim from U.S. media
The New York Times
The 1982 film’s themes of gender and feminism were often overshadowed by comedy, but in the stage version, they resonate more deeply in a world now more aware of equality. Tootsie cleverly invites audiences to question how masculinity and femininity are performed—and what we can learn from stepping into someone else’s shoes.
The Hollywood Reporter
Director Scott Ellis and composer David Yazbek have created a witty, fast-paced musical that honors the film while adapting it for today’s audiences. Yazbek, known for his Tony-winning work on The Band’s Visit, brings a fresh, humorous score full of lively R&B rhythms and clever ballads that make Tootsie one of Broadway’s standout new shows.
Official Tootsie video
Based on the beloved film, this comedy musical delivers both laughter and insight. Watch the official trailer below—and catch it live on Broadway!
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