The Australian premiere of Tootsie has arrived in Sydney with all the wit, energy and charm that made the musical a Broadway success. Now playing at the Teatro at the Italian Forum, this vibrant new production delivers an evening of fast-paced comedy, polished musical theatre and genuine emotional warmth.
Based on the beloved 1982 film starring Dustin Hoffman, Tootsie features a Tony Award-winning book by Robert Horn and a lively score by David Yazbek. While the production embraces the show’s sharp humour and theatrical absurdity, it also retains the humanity at the centre of the story, exploring themes of ambition, vulnerability and personal growth with sincerity.
The musical follows Michael Dorsey, a talented but notoriously difficult actor whose reputation has left him struggling to find work. Facing the prospect of turning forty without achieving the success he had imagined, Michael takes an extraordinary gamble when he disguises himself as actress Dorothy Michaels to audition for a Broadway musical. What begins as an act of desperation soon evolves into an unexpected journey of self-discovery.
Leading the company is Andrew Bevis, who takes on the demanding dual roles of Michael Dorsey and Dorothy Michaels with remarkable ease. His performance is skilfully judged, balancing broad comedy with genuine emotional depth.
Bevis handles the transition between Michael and Dorothy with precision and confidence, never allowing the performance to slip into caricature. His comic timing is consistently sharp, while the sincerity underpinning the role ensures the audience remains fully invested throughout.
Elenoa Rokobaro brings warmth, strength and sincerity to Julie Nichols, delivering a grounded and engaging performance complemented by superb vocals. Alana Tranter is outstanding as Sandy Lester, bringing enormous personality, impeccable comic timing and emotional authenticity to the role. Tyran Stig provides plenty of humour and strong support as Jeff Slater, while Brendan Irving is thoroughly entertaining as Max Van Horn, embracing the role’s larger-than-life qualities with flair.
The evergreen Donna Lee brings much gravitas to the stage as producer Rita Marshall, Chris Huntley-Turner is highly enjoyable as Stan Fields, and Lachlan O’Brien impresses as the demanding Ron Carlisle. The production is further strengthened by an exceptional ensemble, with every performer contributing to the show’s momentum and energy. There is not a weak link within the company, creating a production that feels polished, cohesive and fully committed from beginning to end.
Directed and choreographed by Cameron Mitchell, the production maintains an energetic pace while allowing the more heartfelt moments room to resonate. The choreography is a particular highlight, expertly executed by the ensemble and skilfully led by Dance Captain Jamie Reisin. Musical numbers are staged with confidence and precision, adding another layer of enjoyment to an already highly entertaining production.
Visually, the production is equally impressive. Dan Potra’s design is both clever and functional, allowing seamless transitions between scenes while maintaining the show’s theatrical momentum. Angela White’s costume design is particularly effective, especially in shaping the character of Dorothy Michaels, while Peter Rubie’s lighting design adds atmosphere and polish throughout.
Nicholas Till’s musical direction ensures Yazbek’s energetic score is delivered with style and vitality. There were occasional moments where some dialogue and subtler jokes were slightly lost within the audio mix, though these minor issues do little to detract from the overall quality of the production.
Beneath its comedy, Tootsie explores universally recognisable themes of self-discovery, insecurity and the imperfections that shape human relationships. While the laughs arrive consistently, there is also genuine warmth and emotional honesty woven throughout the production.
Funny, smart and thoroughly entertaining, Tootsie is a welcome addition to Sydney’s musical theatre landscape. With outstanding performances, a first-class ensemble, energetic choreography and enormous heart, this Australian premiere delivers a joyful and immensely satisfying night at the theatre.
Tootsie
Teatro at the Italian Forum, Norton Street, Leichhardt
Performance: Friday 29 May 2026
Season continues to 21 June 2026
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
For more information, visit: www.teatroitalianforum.com.au for details.
Images: Andrew Bevis and the Cast in Tootsie – photo by Robert Miniter | Tyran Stig, Alana Tranter and Andrew Bevis in Tootsie – photo by Robert Miniter | Elenoa Rokobaro in Tootsie – photo by Robert Miniter | The Cast of Tootsie – photo by Robert Miniter | Brendan Irving, Lachlan O’Brien and Elenoa Rokobaro in Tootsie – photo by Robert Miniter
Review: Rohan Shearn (with Brett Thomas)