Tootsie – The Musical at Winningstad Theatre

It’s “musical comedy heaven” (Rolling Stone). It’s “the most uproarious new musical in years!” (The Hollywood Reporter). It’s TOOTSIE! Based on the Oscar®-nominated movie, this is a laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater which tells the story of Michael Dorsey. He is a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find a job until one show-stopping transformation lands him the role of a lifetime.

Featuring a laugh-out-loud Tony® Award-winning book by Robert Horn and an incredibly clever score by 2018 Tony winner David Yazbek (from The Band’s Visit and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), this Broadway sensation is “a joyful delight” (The Washington Post) that’s “so packed with punchlines, it should be called a jokebox musical!” (Bloomberg). “In these turbulent times, when the world seems out of balance, we need a place to let the good times roll,” cheers Rolling Stone. “TOOTSIE is it!”

Tootsie The Musical Tickets

“Tootsie musical delivers with laughs and dancing” – San Diego Union Tribune

“Broadway adaptation is a giddy night out” – The Guardian

Synopsis

This New York Times Critic’s Pick tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find a job until one show-stopping transformation lands him the role of a lifetime. Based on the 1982 comedy movie of the same name, TOOTSIE is a hilariously wild and charmingly funny comedy that has audiences grinning from ear to ear. Over the years, the story of TOOTSIE has been updated to reflect contemporary times. One of the most significant changes is the role of Michael Dorsey. The musical puts the lead character on the dazzling Broadway stage rather than in a soap opera like the original. As visionary director Scott Ellis said, this is “not your grandfather’s Tootsie,” so expect a fun and fresh take on the classic, with plenty of surprises! 

Creative Team

TOOTSIE the musical features an original score by the incredibly talented Tony Award-winner David Yazbek (from The Band’s Visit, The Full Monty, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) with show-stopping numbers like “I’m Alive.” The musical hit also includes a book by the world class writer Robert Horn (from 13, Dame Edna, and Back with a Vengeance), choreography by the skilled Tony Award nominee Denis Jones (from Holiday Inn and Honeymoon in Vegas), and expert musical direction by Andrea Grody (from The Band’s Visit). TOOTSIE will be helmed by the 8x Tony Award nominee and Olivier Award winning director Scott Ellis (from She Loves Me and On the Twentieth Century).

The design team for the production includes scenic designer David Rockwell, costume designer William Ivey Long, lighting designer Donald Holder, sound designer Brian Ronan, hair and wig design by Paul Huntley, as well as make-up design by Angelina Avallone. The creative team also boasts Jim Carnahan C.S.A (casting), Andrea Grody and Dean Sharenow (music supervision), Andrea Grody (vocal arrangements), David Chase (dance arrangements), Simon Hale (orchestrations), as well as Dean Sharenow (music coordination). 

While the current cast is still being finalized, the last national cast was led by the incredible Drew Becker as Michael Dorsey, and included the talented Ashley Alexandra as Julie Nichols, Payton Reilly as Sandy Lester, Lukas James Miller as Max Von Horn, Jared David Michael Grant as Jeff Slater, Kathy Halenda as Rita Marshall, Steve Brustien as Stan Fields, and Adam du Plessis as Ron Carlisle. The ensemble included Leyla Ali, Connor Allston, Darius Aushay, Lexi Baldachino, Michael Bingham, Kyra Christopher, Delaney Gold, Danielle J.S. Gordon, Maverick Hiu, Dominique Kempf, Ashton Lambert, Marquez Linder, Lucy Panush, and Alec Ruiz. With a world class cast like that, we know this year’s talent will be just as star-studded. 

Santino Fontana gives “one of the best performances in musical comedy history” – Rolling Stone

“John Behlmann earns every giggle as Max Van Horn” – Variety 

History and Awards

After a glowing reception during previews in 2018, TOOTSIE officially opened its curtains on Broadway in 2019. Starring a world class cast that includes Tony Award nominee Santino Fontana and Lillie Cooper, the show is regarded as one of the best stage adaptations of a popular movie ever. As it was the second highest-grossing movie in 1982, it came as no surprise that TOOTSIE transferred onto Broadway for the next generation of fans to enjoy. The stage adaptation received high praise early on, with David Yazbek’s music being touted as clever and witty by critics. The production swept the awards in 2019, clinching Outstanding Book of a Musical: Robert Horn, Outstanding Actor in a Musical: Santino Fontana, Outstanding Lyrics: David Yazbek, Outstanding Music: David Yazbek at the Drama Desk Awards, as well as Best Leading Actor in a Musical: Santino Fontana and Best Original Score: David Yazbek at the Tony Awards. 

Winningstad Theatre

Four decades since the critically revered movie hit the big screen, Tootsie is now finding a new home on the stage at the esteemed Winningstad Theatre. From 21 March until 13 April 2025, TOOTSIE will be playing to the very back of the venue with awesome songs. TOOTSIE at the Winningstad Theatre is a must-see event in Portland this year, with tickets already flying off the shelf! To secure your spot, we highly recommend booking your tickets now – while you still can!