‘Tootsie’ to open Tuesday at Bass Concert Hall

When people think of the movie “Tootsie,” they recall an uncomfortable Dustin Hoffman in a spangly red sequin dress. The movie, which appeared in theaters in 1982, was built around counterpoints: social commentary with farce, seriousness with absurdity, while at the same time making some important observations about sexism.

Flash forward 40 years. Society has come a long way in regard to the treatment of women and marginalized populations, but inequities still persist. Likewise, they get properly roasted in the updated Broadway musical of “Tootsie.”

“It is very updated,” said Jared David Michael Grant, who stars in the role of Jeff Slater, originally performed in the movie by Bill Murray. “We had a chance to work with the original writer, so even now, it’s getting reworked.”

“Tootsie’s” director Dave Solomon worked directly with original story writer Robert Horn to bring the production to the stage and into the future.

“The women characters have a stronger voice in the story than in the film,” Grant said. “And in some of the scenes dealing with Michael in women’s outfits, we worked with that so it’s not making a mockery of trans people, who are actually real women.”

The Michael to whom Grant is referring is the main character Michael Dorsey. Dorsey, played by Drew Becker, is an actor. He’s sharp, goodlooking, talented, and unable to land a part.

His response: dress in drag and audition for parts traditionally meant for women.

Grant as Jeff Slater acts as the angel on Dorsey’s shoulder, illuminating to his friend (and simultaneously, the audience) all the various (and hilarious) ways this could go wrong.

“It’s always fun to hear the audience reaction,” Grant said. “I’m a good friend. Very forward with my feelings and being open with Michael.”

The musical features an original score and lyrics by Tony-award winning composer David Yazbek. Grant, who got his start in theater by singing in church, is said to have one of the biggest songs in the entire show.

“It is a fun song,” Grant said. “The lyrics are really clever.”

Grant also pointed out how “Tootsie” holds up a mirror to real life in a humorous way. “My parents saw how much of a ham I was at a young age,” he said. “I did the sports thing, but that wasn’t it. My aunt will tell a story about how, in the middle of a soccer game, I started doing Michael Jackson moves.”

Grant found his way to the stage, where he said he could be the truest version of himself.

“I feel like a lot of people sometimes put on a front to be someone they’re not,” he said. “Not as much as Michael Dorsey does, but we wear an invisible mask. This show is all about trusting people. You don’t have to be someone you’re not.”

“Tootsie” takes the time to examine this theme while remaining fast-paced, upbeat, and lighthearted. After several stops and starts during the pandemic, Grant — and many of those who have found a home in the performing arts — have expressed gratitude to finally return to the stage.

“During the whole quarantine situation, it was nice to have a break to re-examine myself and why I chose to do theater: Do I still love it and everything?” Grant said. “And I do. Coming back was like, Wow, I really do love it.”

Grant said he is especially grateful to return with a musical comedy. “This show is constant laughing,” he said. “Really developed characters, but also gut laughing. From your heart. From your stomach. Wear a diaper just in case. This will be a wonderful thing to see.”

Texas Performing Arts presents Broadway In Austin’s “Tootsie,” the first national tour of the Broadway musical, from Feb. 22 - 27, Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr., in Austin.

Tickets start at $35 and are available at texasperformingarts.org and BroadwayinAustin.com, by phone at (512) 477-1444, or from the Texas Performing Arts ticket office at Bass Concert Hall. For groups of 10 or more, call (877) 275-3804 or email Austin. groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com