“Tootsie” shines at Arizona Broadway Theatre with humor, heart and high heels
“Tootsie,“ the laugh-out-loud hit Broadway musical, makes its regional stage debut at Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria. The Tony Award-winning comedy musical will be on stage Aug. 8 – Sept. 13, 2025. This show is the final production in the theatre’s 20th season.
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A laugh-out-loud Broadway hit arrives in Peoria
Based on the 1982 movie of the same name starring Academy Award-winner Dustin Hoffman in the title role, “Tootsie” is a comedy musical that follows Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find a job due to his bad reputation.
Desperate and out of work, Michael makes a last-ditch effort at fulfilling his acting dreams by disguising himself as Dorothy Michaels to land the role of a lifetime. Michael, disguised as Dorothy, quickly becomes a Broadway sensation in the Shakespeare sequel “Juliet’s Curse” and develops feelings for his co-star, Julie. It isn’t long before Michael realizes that leading a double life is much harder than he anticipated.
Arizona Broadway Theatre closes its 20th season with a Tony Award-winning musical
With music and lyrics by David Yazbek and a book by Robert Horn, “Tootsie” was nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 2019. It won the prize for Best Book of a Musical and Santino Fontana, who played Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels on Broadway, took home the award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.
“Updated for the 21st century, ‘Tootsie’ is a sincere and joyful reminder of how far some people will go to get the role they were born to play,” says Kurtis Overby, artistic director at Arizona Broadway Theatre. “With a story packed full of heart and humor, ‘Tootsie’ is a love letter to Broadway that takes audiences on a behind-the-scenes look at an actor’s drive, identity and the opportunity to rewrite history.”
Valley audiences experience “Tootsie’s” regional premiere for the first time
As the regional premiere, this is the first time “Tootsie” is on stage for Valley audiences to enjoy.
The Arizona Broadway Theatre cast includes Matt Michael as Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels; Rebecca Hartman as Julie Nichols; Sarah Joy Kane as Sandy Lester; Adam Vargas as Jeff Slater; Roberto Silva-Neto as Max Van Horn; Kathi Osborne as Rita Marshall; Tony Blosser as Stan Fields and Tyler Gallaher as Ron Carlisle.
Dining and entertainment combine for a full theatre experience
Unlike any other theatre in the Valley, Arizona Broadway Theatre provides an all-encompassing experience combining world-class dining and entertainment. For each show, an award-winning chef and culinary team create a custom food and beverage menu to complement the production.
Tickets for “Tootsie” can be purchased now at AZBROADWAY.org, in person, by contacting the Box Office daily between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 623.776.8400 or by email at info@AZBROADWAY.org.
