Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – On Broadway, the battle of the two film-to-stage adaptations: TOOTSIE vs. BEETLEJUICE

• By drediman
• May 9, 2019
• No Comments

This spring, two highly anticipated musical adaptations of beloved films, Tootsie and Beetlejuice, opened on Broadway to mostly positive critical and commercial acclaim. Both were also recently deservedly nominated for a slew of Tonys, including the coveted award for Best New Musical of the season. Being a subjective matter, the respective shows unsurprisingly have their admirers, as well as their detractors. In my mind, both are worthwhile, craftily adapted musicals – but for notably different reasons.

Julie Halston, James Moye, Santino Fontana, Lilli Cooper, and John Behlmann in “Tootsie” at the Marquis Theatre. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Over at the Marquis Theatre, Tootsie (RECOMMENDED) opened to strong notices almost across the board. Featuring an hilarious, cast iron book by Robert Horn, the musical smartly updates the movie for Broadway-savvy audiences, as well as the current #MeToo world we reside in. On first listen, David Yazbeck’s score seemed to pale in comparison to his accomplished previous scores (particularly his exquisite work on the Tony-winning The Band’s Visit, a vastly different beast from Tootsie). However, upon subsequent listens, I now more fully appreciate the deceptive craft of his smirking, fun-loving score. Where the production falters somewhat is Scott Ellis’s merely serviceable – almost lazy –direction, which seems bent on putting a mediocre veneer on the exceedingly well-written show.

Alex Brightman and Sophia Anne Caruso in “Beetlejuice” at the Winter Garden Theatre. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

The musical adaptation of Beetlejuice (RECOMMENDED), on the other hand, is the more erratic of the two in terms of writing, as well as critical response – but the public has been eating it up at the Winter Garden Theatre. There are definitely moments of naughty brilliance in both Eddie Perfect’s score and Anthony King and Scott Brown’s book, both underrated in my mind. However, there are also moments, particularly early on, that unfortunately fall flat. But when the musical gains momentum, it’s quite the creepy, delightful spectacle. Indeed, Alex Timbers – one of the most visionary theater directors of his generation – has done a sensational job of giving the show a stylish, punchy staging that sings onstage. Truth be told, I think I was seduced more by Beetlejuice’s style over Tootsie substance, calling to mind another Broadway battle, the 1989-1990 stand-off between Grand Hotel and City of Angels (i.e., Tommy Tune’s legendary direction and choreography versus Cy Coleman’s thrilling jazz score, respectively).

Where both shows excel are the performances. In the title roles, Santino Fonanta (Tootsie) and Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice) drive the show with their immense charisma and commitment to their respective shows. Almost as strong as these leading men are the women at their side – Lilli Cooper and Sophia Anne Caruso, respectively – who ground the show with their accomplished, thoughtfully delivered performances. The supporting players shine, too. In Tootsie, Sarah Stiles and Andy Grotelueschen, who play Mr. Fontana’s loser-type theater friends, are given some of the musical’s funniest lines and nearly steal the show with their laugh-out-loud, scene-stealing antics. Not quite as strong but still completely adorable are Broadway veterans Rob McClure and Kerry Butler, who play a recently deceased couple in Beetlejuice.

TOOTSIE
Broadway, Musical
Marquis Theatre
2 hours, 30 minutes (with one intermission)
Open run

BEETLEJUICE
Broadway, Musical
Winter Garden Theatre
2 hours, 30 minutes (with one intermission)
Open run