The national tour of MRS. DOUBTFIRE takes the stage at Robinson Center October 24th-26th. Since the show is based on the beloved film, we sat down for a chat Giulia Marolda who is in the ensemble to learn a little bit about life on the road:
Mrs. Doubtfire is such a beloved story — what was your first connection to it (the movie, the musical, or both)?
I first watched the movie when I was a kid, with my parents! They made it a point to show me really great films and expose me to a lot of the classics, so that’s how I first saw the movie. We watched a lot of other Robin Williams films too, with my favorites being Hook and Dead Poet’s Society.
What excites you most about performing in this show every night?
I’ve never been a part of a show that leaves the audience laughing THIS hard before. It’s really gratifying to be even a small part of passing along that joy—and the audience reacts differently every single night!
What’s the most challenging part of performing in Mrs. Doubtfire?
Each number in this show is extremely high energy, and deceptively FAST. Whenever I’m onstage dancing, I have to give 100% to the movement and intention behind it, otherwise the energy drops. There are a lot of sad moments in this show, so it’s super important to keep the energy up in the sillier ones, even if I’m tired after a long week of performing!
Touring means lots of hotels and travel days — what’s your go-to way to make a new city feel like home?
I have a few stuffed animals I like to set up on my hotel bed, some picture collages, and a white noise machine that makes any hotel room feel like my bedroom at home! I also love to light a candle in the hotel room as soon as I get there, usually with a scent that relaxes me.
Do you have any backstage rituals or pre-show routines that help you get into character and ready for the performance?
I have a few different ones with various cast members, but one of my favorites is “chugging” a pretend energy drink in the wings with fellow ensemble member Kirstin before our big dance numbers. I also like to check in with the rest of the ensemble with a hug or a pat on the back at places.
If you could swap roles with another character in the show for a night, who would it be and why?
I think I would swap with Frank Hillard. I absolutely love that he can’t lie without yelling, and I think it would be really fun to try that! He also has some of the best and funniest lines.
What has surprised you most about audiences’ reactions to Mrs. Doubtfire?
What shocks me the most is how this show appeals to EVERY age. Kids in the audience laugh at completely different things than the adults do. A lot of people aren’t familiar with the musical before they see it, and they walk out claiming it’s one of their favorites, which is always crazy and wonderful to hear.
If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?
If I hadn’t gone to school for acting, I probably would’ve gone to law school and become a lawyer.
If you could give advice to young performers dreaming of being on a Broadway national tour, what would you tell them?
You can do it. You can really do it. You have to work hard, and you have to dream big, but it’s possible, for anyone. Also, go to dance class! It’s important, for EVERY member of the company.
What is your dream role?
Princess Anna in Frozen!
Presented by Celebrity Attractions, MRS. DOUBTFIRE is part of the 2025-2026 Broadway Season at Robinson Center. For more information, visit CelebrityAttractions.com
CITY: Little Rock, Arkansas
VENUE: Robinson Center
SHOW DATE: October 24-26, 2025 (Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7:30pm, Sunday at 1pm)
