Tootsie’s return to Rome feels like a deliciously theatrical event: the hit musical, directed by Massimo Romeo Piparo and based on the iconic 1982 film, has opened again at the Teatro Sistina and promises laughter, heart and a timely wink at life in show business. Paolo Conticini takes on the double role of Michael Dorsey and Dorothy Michaels — a test of comic timing, dramatic subtlety and, yes, a lot of time on high heels. As Princess‑Daisy readers will expect, here’s a stylish, scene‑by‑scene look at what makes this production a must‑see this season.
Why Tootsie still matters
At its core, Tootsie is a satire about ambition, identity and the compromises performers make. The story of an actor who adopts a female persona to land a job offers endless comedic possibility, yet the musical does far more than deliver punchlines: it probes the price of fame and the unexpected empathy that can arise from walking in another person’s shoes. In an age of social performance and curated identities, Tootsie’s themes feel fresh and resonant.
Paolo Conticini: the shape‑shifting lead
Conticini’s challenge is no small feat. Michael Dorsey is a man who must convincingly become Dorothy Michaels without ever tipping into camp or caricature. Conticini admits the hard part is “finding the measure” — striking the balance between humor and dignity. On stage, he manages it with charisma: Dorothy is not simply a costume, she’s a living, breathing presence with agency and heart. Watching him inhabit both roles is to witness disciplined acting wrapped in charm.
The company that supports the show
One of the production’s delights is its ensemble. Mauro Casciari, known for his TV and radio work, makes an effective musical debut as Jeff — nervous at first, he’s found his footing within the company’s warm collaborative culture. The chemistry across the cast is palpable: when comedy relies on precise beats and ensemble timing, the comfort and mutual trust among performers is everything. This troupe delivers that reliability night after night.
Direction, design and musical life
Massimo Romeo Piparo’s direction keeps the pace lively, allowing musical numbers to breathe while letting comedic moments land. The staging alternates between snappy choreography and quieter, emotionally honest scenes. Costume and set design balance the theatrical glamour of show business with touches of irony — the glitz that masks awkward backstage truths. Musically, the score and arrangements support the story rather than overpower it, giving emotional lift where needed.
Humour with a pointed edge
Tootsie delights in its irreverence but it does not mock gratuitously. The humour serves to reveal, not merely to shock: it exposes double standards, gender expectations and the absurdities of industry politics. The laughs carry a sting and, occasionally, a tenderness that keeps the audience engaged beyond the immediate joke. That’s what elevates this production — intelligence under the sequins.
What audiences will feel
Expect to laugh, certainly, but also to leave with something more reflective. The show’s moments of vulnerability — when a character strips away a public persona and reveals doubt or longing — are genuine. They remind us that beneath the costumes and the artifice are people negotiating the same insecurities and hopes we all share. It’s that blend of entertainment and empathy that gives Tootsie its staying power.
Practical notes for theatregoers
Why fashion‑loving audiences will enjoy it
Beyond the narrative, Tootsie offers visual pleasures: costume changes, character transformations and the playful use of gendered outfits feed into the story’s concerns. For those of us who love style and what clothing does to identity, the musical is a curious, entertaining study in how garments can both conceal and reveal. Watching Dorothy move through the world in high heels — convincingly, sensitively, often hilariously — is a reminder of how performance and projection shapeshift our understanding of self.
Tootsie, at its best, is a theatrical treat that combines the mechanics of strong comedy with moments of genuine warmth. The Roma staging channels the film’s spirit while giving it renewed musical charm. If you love a show that delivers both sparkle and substance, this iteration of Tootsie is likely to leave you smiling and thinking in equal measure.