Q&A: The Art of the Reveal with Craig Allen Smith

Photo by Joan Marcus

As the national tour of “Mrs. Doubtfire” prepares to take the stage at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, I sat down with Craig Allen Smith (Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire) to discuss the art of the reveal, the secret to those 28-second quick changes, and how he fuels a performance that burns through calories faster than a kitchen fire. To pull off a role made legendary by Robin Williams, you need more than just a quick wit; you need the stamina of an athlete and the precision of a clockmaker.

Jerrod Sumner (JS): What was your relationship with the 1993 film and the stage production before joining this tour?

Craig Allen Smith (CAS): I must have watched the film at least five times with my best friend when it hit theaters in 1993. We loved Robin Williams. For weeks, I would walk into rooms doing the “Hellooooo!” accent and going crazy. I didn’t know much about the stage play initially. People told me to audition because it suited my abilities, so I waited for it to come down the pike. I purposely didn’t watch the stage show beforehand because I wanted to offer a fresh take for my Daniel and my Mrs. Doubtfire.

JS: In a show built on comedic timing, what is the specific moment you can’t wait for the Ordway audience to experience?

CAS: The Mrs. Doubtfire reveal always gets a massive reaction. Opening that door and seeing her for the first time is magic. Our music director, Eli, told me about an 8-year-old girl in the front row who leaned over to her mom the second I appeared and whispered, “There she is.” That is why we do this. Plus, we kept the iconic bits: the pie in the face and the blouse on fire. Those moments are a joy to recreate.

JS: We have to talk logistics. How many costume changes are you navigating, and what is your record for the fastest transformation?

CAS: I have 32 costume changes in total. The fastest is about 28 seconds. I have a team of three people backstage: Nicole, my star dresser; Emily, who handles the mask and wig; and a local dresser at each venue to help with shoes and zippers. It is organized chaos.

JS: For the aspiring performers in our Minnesota arts community, what advice do you have for sustaining a professional touring career?

CAS: If you love it, just keep doing it. Opportunities eventually come along. If your passion is that deep, don’t ever give up. Something will happen for you.

JS: Minnesota Monthly is dedicated to the spirit of our state. Is there a local landmark or cultural staple you are looking forward to exploring?

CAS: I am all about the food. One of my best friends is from Minnesota, so I usually skip the research and let the locals lead the way. The less I have to think offstage, the better. I’ve been eating my way across the country on this tour.

JS: You must burn a massive amount of calories out there.

CAS: I feel like The Flash. I have to eat constantly just to sustain the intake required for the show. It’s a workout every single night.

“Mrs. Doubtfire” opens today, March 17, and runs through March 22. Tickets at ordway.org.