Robin Williams starred in the Hollywood comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire: The Prickly Nanny,” which was a worldwide box-office hit in 1993. Nearly 30 years later, “Mrs. Doubtfire” premiered as a Broadway musical. Most recently, it enjoyed two successful years in London’s West End. Beginning November 6, Düsseldorf will host the first German production of “Mrs. Doubtfire.”
“When you think of ‘Mrs. Doubtfire,’ you immediately picture the film version — but as soon as the curtain rises, you’re in your own world,” producer Michael Driemler-Falk told the German press agency (dpa) before the premiere at the Capitol Theater. Even those who have seen the musical in New York or London should experience something new — “a new adaptation that truly exists for the first time in Düsseldorf.”
The Sets Are Entirely New
While many of the costumes are taken from the English production, the scenery is entirely new. “We built a stage design that has never existed before. It’s the first time that ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ is translated into German — and that was an intense, creative process.”
To ensure that the music and humor land in German as well, three teams of translators were brought on board. “Especially in comedy, that’s a real challenge,” says Driemler-Falk. “But it was an exciting process to render the jokes in a way that still lands.”
“Not Just a Mask”
The story: For the family man Daniel, life falls apart when his wife divorces him and also wins custody of the three children. Daniel pulls out all the stops to spend time with the kids. When his ex-wife hires a nanny, he disguises himself with the help of a makeup artist as an older woman and applies for the job—landing the role of Mrs. Doubtfire—with success. Yet the double life is exhausting.
“The big challenge for the lead actor isn’t simply slipping into a mask, but truly becoming a woman in the moment—with heart, warmth, and humanity,” says Driemler-Falk. “Only in that way does the audience understand what Daniel is losing and what he ultimately finds again.”
Grande Emotions, Sensational Music
Compared with the Hollywood film, the musical places even more emphasis on powerful emotions and carries greater emotional depth. “Mrs. Doubtfire is a family musical, but not only that,” emphasizes the producer, who is working in Düsseldorf with a team of around 120 people. “It’s comedy, but not just that. It has heart, humor, and depth—and that’s what makes it special. For us, it has become a true labor of love.”
Not least, the captivating music plays a significant role. “The music is incredibly intricately arranged — more demanding than one might notice on first listen,” Michael Driemler-Falk explains. “The orchestra performs live, every night. And that’s important: many people today think musicals are pre-recorded. But in our production, everything is truly live.”
