'Tootsie' musical is funny and entertaining, but its gender updates may not be enough

The show: ‘Tootsie’

Written by: Robern Horn, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek, based on the story by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart for the movie produced by Punch Productions; directed by Don Solomon; presented by Providence Performing Arts Center

What it’s about: This musical version of the 1982 film that starred Dustin Hoffman tells the story of New York City actor Michael Dorsey (Drew Becker here), who is so difficult to work with, and so sure that he is more talented and knowledgeable than anyone else, that no one wants to hire him. Angry that he hasn’t reached his life goals by his 40th birthday, Michael dresses up as a woman to audition, and finds Broadway success and possible love as Dorothy Michaels. But he also finds multiple complications for lying to everyone except his best friend.

See it or not: This is an entertaining and funny, if overlong, musical with multiple winning supporting performances on this national tour. The show, which won a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical and was nominated for its score, offers some clever dialogue and lyrics by Horn and Yazbek. There is also fun and comedic choreography by Denis Jones, (also Tony-nominated) and an impressive set design by Christine Peters for a traveling show.

Much of the reflection on gender has been updated in the 40 years since the hit film debuted, but there are still situations and lines that don’t sit right with how far society has (and should have) come in gender and political thought. In addition, this show revolves around an arrogant, pushy, narcissistic, monumentally self-involved man who waits a very long time to become likable and wake up (mostly) to his faults and mistakes by briefly seeing life from a woman’s point of view. Santino Fontana won a Tony for his portrayal on Broadway, and Becker impresses with his double vocal and acting abilities as Michael and Dorothy. But Becker is a little too convincing for too long as a guy you wouldn’t want to know. The problem is never him: “I’m just committed.”

Highlights: The supporting actors (largely new to tour companies) are stellar, starting with Ashley Alexandra as sweet, tough and talented Julie Nichols, the lead of the Broadway play who takes Dorothy to her heart and mostly is able to stand up for what she wants and thinks. Understudy Matt Kurzyniec was hilarious with spot-on comic delivery as best friend Jeff Slater on Tuesday’s opening night. Payton Reilly is largely charming as the needy and neurotic friend/actress who spirals after rejection, plus aces the patter song “What’s Gonna Happen” (though the show repeats it too many times).

Fun facts: Yazbek’s music credits include Broadway’s “The Band’s Visit,” “The Full Monty” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” Perhaps more interesting to a certain generation, though, Yazbek also wrote the theme song to “Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?”

Worth noting: Before and after debuting on Broadway in 2019, the updated “Tootsie” story for this musical caused concerns and controversy related to transphobia, gender fluidity, homosexuality and what the story says about drag personas and performance. Interestingly, some of the lines objected to in commentary at the time appear to have been cut from the touring script, but the critics are still likely to object to some of the show’s gender-related plot and dialogue.

One more thing: Kudos to the script for having friend Jeff be very clear about many of the things Michael is doing wrong by becoming Dorothy, including taking a paying job away from a woman by pretending to be one.

If you go: Through Oct. 30 at Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St.; https://www.ppacri.org/.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: 'Tootsie' musical theater entertaining but gender updates not enough