SAN DIEGO — In 1982, when the film Tootsie was released, it seemed Larry Gelbart, Barry Levinson, Elaine May, and Murray Schisgal had birthed a winning story delivered by a star-studded cast. Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, and Dabney Coleman told the story of a talented but volatile actor who had been all but blacklisted for his demanding arrogant behavior. In order to be cast in a daytime soap opera, Hoffman’s character, the boorish Michael, must transform himself into “Dorothy.”
In 2018, the film was revisited as a play with music and lyrics by David Yasbek, and a book by Robert Horn. This week Tootsie, the musical comedy, will delight audiences at the San Diego Civic Theater, as they bring this Tony-award-winning show as a highlight for Broadway San Diego’s 44th season.
To learn more about this tour, I had the golden opportunity to speak with native New Yorker, Lucy Panush, who is enjoying her first professional gig. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she shared her experiences of traveling with this show. Not only is Lucy in the ensemble; she is also the understudy for Sandy, the insecure neurotic best friend of Michael. Once a week, I learned, the understudies rehearse together.
Ms. Panush attended Northwestern University and graduated in Dance and Musical Theater in 2020. Sadly, COVID robbed the actor of live auditions, but she did have Zoom callbacks from her living room, and eventually made the cut!
I spoke with Lucy where she is currently performing in Centennial Hall at the University of Arizona. The tour encompasses 27 cities and began in mid-October and will run through mid-June. Luckily for us, San Diego is the next stop, and our own Broadway San Diego will be the next new city for this fledgling actor to explore.
I wanted to know what Lucy missed most about New York City. She expressed that as the “hub of the arts” she was missing her dance classes, seeing shows, and being away from her family. However, the trade-off of living the life of a working actor thrills her. She admitted, “It’s scary to go into a situation where you don’t know anyone. I’ve met amazing individuals from all over and I’m grateful to hear so many different stories.” She also told me that spending so many hours with the cast has made them a replacement family. This taught Lucy that she must carve out time for herself to visit a museum, a botanic garden, stealing a few moments alone.
In our brief interview, I did not get to hear Lucy sing but was struck by the absence of a New York accent, despite having lived there her entire life. Lucy’s formal education in dance had begun in her early years, but she did not begin vocal training until her sophomore year of high school. Her songs in the show are fast-paced, witty, and challenging.
When I asked Lucy who would enjoy this show, she told me that the target audience would be movie lovers, all age groups, and folks who enjoy musical comedy. She feels the show is very relatable because the characters are complex and reveal their foibles along with their strengths.
I wanted to know Lucy’s biggest surprise in being a professional touring actor. Lucy bubbled, “The biggest surprise is how much fun I’m having. I feel so blessed to work as an actor.” What’s next for Lucy? I have a feeling we’ll see lots more of her.
Tootsie-Civic Center, April 12-17, 2022. Tickets available at BroadwaySD.com, more information may be found at www.tootsiemusical.com or by phone 619.564.3000.
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Eva Trieger is a Solana Beach-based freelance writer who specializes in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com