About the work
Tootsie is a musical by David Yazbek (music and lyrics) with a book by Robert Horn, premiered on Broadway in 2018/2019. Based on the 1982 film classic with Dustin Hoffman, it won the Tony Award for Best Book.
Plot
The talented but insufferable actor Michael Dorsey can no longer find work in New York because he is considered impossible to deal with. In desperation he disguises himself as a woman and lands, as "Dorothy Michaels," a role in a musical production. To his surprise, Dorothy becomes a celebrated star. But the deeper Michael sinks into his role—and falls in love with his colleague Julie—the more untenable the deception becomes. A turbulent comedy about identity, ego, and honesty.
Cultural significance
Tootsie cleverly transplants the film classic into the world of Broadway theatre and uses David Yazbek's pointed, word-witty songs for sharp comedy. The work updates the material for the present, reflecting self-ironically on gender roles and show business. Robert Horn's much-awarded book is regarded as one of the funniest in recent musical history.