This beloved movie-turned-musical-turned-magnet may be just what the dad-turned-nanny ordered
Mrs. Doubtfire – that classic movie about a dad who loves his kids so much he’ll moonlight as a middle-aged Irish nanny to see them while his ex-wife tries to take full custody – has turned into a beloved souvenir magnet: created for the new Mrs. Doubtfire musical hitting stages across the country.
When I went to see the musical, I was hesitant that the magnet I bought at the merch counter while waiting for the show to start wouldn’t live up to its Hollywood counterpart. It’s a CLASSIC, I thought – with ROBIN WILLIAMS, I also thought – how could this magnet possibly compare?
To my delight, however, this magnet successfully encompasses the nostalgia of the movie while offering a fresh new nod to the musical that it was designed for.
The “Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical” magnet is comedically brilliant from corner to corner
At first I thought this magnet would garner most of its comedic value from being the kind of magnet that was so bad you can’t help but laugh. But I was unexpectedly impressed by its range of comedic elements.
The dialogue, for starters, is punchy and smart, with just a subtle whimsical overtone. It’s supported (literally!) by Mrs. Doubtfire herself, whose character perspective is strong (witty yet helpful!) and whose capacity for unique bits feels limitless.
It has so much personality infused into it, in fact, I could have bought a magnet every night while the musical’s merch booth was in town and never have gotten tired of it.
The Mrs. Doubtfire actor on the magnet did a great job of making the character his own
Initially I thought it would be difficult for the new actor to portray such a classically revered character on the “Mrs. Doubtfire: A Musical” magnet. Robin Williams, after all, was a comedic icon who poured such personality into this role that it’s hard to imagine anyone being able to fill those sensible leather clogs.
But the way Rob McClure (the Mrs. Doubtfire on the magnet) takes that character and shapes her into his own – while still paying homage to the character we’ve loved for decades – it almost makes you forget there was ever anyone else who donned that plaid pleated skirt and assured us that help is on the way, dear!
Though humorous, this magnet also pulls at the heartstrings in just the right ways
Underneath the captivating layer of comedy, it also does a great job of artfully weaving in sentimental feelings of tenderness through themes of family, self growth, and the idea that love comes in all shapes, sizes, and souvenirs.
Final score: 10/10
Overall, I cannot recommend this magnet more if the opportunity to buy it comes to your city. It’s intelligent, charming, and will have you thinking about it for so long after, you’ll find yourself inviting people over so you can point it out on your fridge and tell them about it.
Oh, and the musical was really good too.
Leggy Blonde 