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Dr. Dolittle
Everybody’s Musical
Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Production staged by Tommy Tune
Choreography by Patti Colombo
Musical Direction by Michael Biagi
At The Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL
Call 312-902-1400, tickets $25 - $72
Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 PM
Friday, July 21 at 8 PM
Saturday, July 22 at 2 & 8 PM
Sunday, July 23 at 2 & 7:30 PM
Tuesday, July 25 at 7:30 PM
Wednesday, July 26 at 2 & 7:30 PM
Thursday, July 27 at 7:30 PM
Friday, July 28 at 8 PM
Saturday, July 29 2 & 8 PM
Sunday, July 30 at 2 PM
Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission
Tommy Tune makes Dr. Dolittle into a charming show
After much trouble getting Dr. Dolittle ready for Broadway, their producers brought in Tommy Tune who has a knack for retooling musicals. He successfully rethought My One and Only in the mid 1980’s and he has resurrected Dr. Dolittle into a charming, sweet children’s show. I was surprised at how enjoyable an old fashion structured Broadway musical Dr. Dolittle has become.
Based on the 1967 film starring Rex Harrison, with a slick score by Broadway veteran Leslie Bricusse (Stop the World, I Want to Get Off, Scrooge, Jekyll and Hyde and Victor/Victoria), Dr. Dolittle has been ‘re-Tuned’ by Tommy into a slick children’s musical flush with several show-stopping tap dance numbers led by the 67 year old hoofer, Tommy Tune. He slickly glides though the cleverly staged dance numbers with his winning charm and exquisite stage presence. Tommy Tune is the main reason to see Dr. Dolittle. He is the glue that holds this cute 90 minute musical together.
While not a great show, Dr. Dolittle unfolds as a polished, nicely sung and splendidly danced show that will become excellent regional theatre fare. Dr. Dolittle is the story of the magical veterinarian who can talk to the animals while not getting along too well with humans. This fable stimulates audiences to imagine what it would be like to be able to ‘talk animal!’
Dr. Dolittle is, indeed, Tommy Tune’s show but he doesn’t do it alone. He gets help from the puppet animals, from a peppy score that has a memorable signature song, “Talk to the Animals,” several terrific rousing dance numbers. The ensemble was outstanding, looked great and danced up a storm. Numbers like “I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It,” “Save the Animals” and the cute “Monkey-Monkey Island Dance” display their talents. Dee Hoty deftly lands her ballads while twelve year old Aaron Burr explodes into manic dances as Chee-Chee, the monkey.
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Dr. Dolittle is a well-dressed show with vivid lighting and adequate sets that is quickly paced and instantly engaging for adults and kids. This is a fine, light-weight musical that sweetly preaches tolerance toward animals. This isn’t a blockbuster yet it is a cute, fun show and a nice vehicle for the ageless Tommy Tune to strut his fabulous talent. Tune is a wonder to watch do a soft-shoe and an effortless taper whose long legs have his kicks reaching the sky. 
I’m not sure the material is Broadway caliber in this day of large-scale musicals. But Dr. Dolittle is an effective show that I predict will be a touring hit and a regional theatre staple. If you’ve never seen Tommy Tune on stage—see him carry Dr. Dolittle with his charm and smooth style.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2006
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