Jayden Cyrus Nelson on 'Mrs. Doubtfire': A Joyful Musical Celebration of Love, Family, and Acceptance

Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed out on tour in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter).

Based on the beloved film, MRS. DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune– one that proves we’re better together. Out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. A hysterical and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds. 

To learn more about bringing this beloved story to life on stage, we caught up with ensemble cast member Jayden Cyrus Nelson, who shared what makes the production both nostalgic and refreshingly new.”

EDGE: Mrs. Doubtfire is such an iconic story—how does the stage version stay true to the original while also bringing something new?

JCN: They're very similar. The only difference is that some of the scenes happen in a different order, from the movie to the play. In a theatrical setting, the most obvious differences and added elements are the musical numbers and the spectacle they create. I love the nostalgic feeling that you get from the music is amazing. Overall, it's a much more theatrical spectacle than the movie. 

EDGE: Were you familiar with the film before joining the musical?

JCN: Definitely! I can't even count how many times I've watched the movie. The crazy thing is, I wasn't familiar with the musical before I joined it. 

EDGE: What’s it like being part of the ensemble for Mrs. Doubtfire?

JCN: The ensemble is so crazy because literally everyone does everything. There is not a single member who doesn't do anything. We are singing, we're dancing, and we're acting. It's a lot of work, but it's very rewarding. It's so fun to be a part of the show. I love every number we're doing, and the costumes are so fun. It really takes me back to my younger self and all the fun I had when I was starting out. 

EDGE: Is there a particular dance number or song you especially love performing?

JCN: I love all of them, but I think my favorite ones to perform with the cast are “Make Me a Woman” and “He Lied to Me.” They are so fun to perform, and I really think the audience will love them as much as I do. 

EDGE: How does the music help tell the story differently from the film?

JCN: There are a lot of moments like with “Make Me a Woman, ” where in the film you don’t get to see the transformation of becoming Mrs. Doubtfire in its entirety. Although it's fun to watch in the film, with the musical, you get the whole technical element, including the dancing and the communal aspect of the musical number, while the transformation is happening. It is so much more rewarding at the end when you see his transformation in comparison to what is shown in the movie. Additionally, all the musical numbers delve deeply into the characters' mindsets, exploring aspects of what's happening that we don't get to experience in the film. The music really helps bring the film alive on stage.

EDGE: Robin Williams made Mrs. Doubtfire such an iconic character – how does his legacy influence this production?

JCN: He is unmatched. He was unmatched in his career, and his acting, along with the energy he brought, was not just exceptional in Mrs. Doubtfire but in every role he performed. I think we really capture that and his character, especially with Craig Allen Smith as Daniel / Mrs. Doubtfire. He has amazing energy and is delivering a performance that I know Robin would be proud of. 

EDGE: Do you think comedy and musicals—like Mrs. Doubtfire—can be powerful tools for breaking down stereotypes and sparking acceptance?

JCN: Oh, most definitely. I believe this musical does that fantastically, especially with characters Andre Mayem and Frank Hillard, who are openly gay in the show. They're very truthful and grounded, especially in certain scenes. As the show becomes more serious, we see human beings, not caricatures or archetypes, which are more common in other productions. We see human beings, and the show does a good job of reminding us that all of these characters are human beings. We see at the end of the show that we are all doing our best to love, to accept, and to be a family.  

EDGE: How does Mrs. Doubtfire, with its themes of family and acceptance, resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences in particular?

JCN: At its core, this show is about love, family, and how it comes in different shapes and sizes and forms. And it even goes out of its way to tell us that families don't come with just heterosexual parents, but families can be made up of one dad, one mom, two dads,  or two moms, it may even be in the form of a foster family.  There is nothing normal about how a family is created, but this show goes out of its way to prove that no matter how we look, love is where our answers lie and what we are rooted in. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what we look like or what we do; what matters most is love. Love creates.

EDGE: What do you hope audiences walk away feeling after seeing the show?

JCN: I hope audiences feel a whole bunch of joy, love, and nostalgia. That they also walk away knowing the message of the show, which is love. Whatever we do, let's do it with love, respect, and acceptance. We need to show that to everyone, especially in these troubling times. 

For more information about Mrs. Doubtfire, please visit www.doubtfirethemusical.com