The Broadway musical Tootsie is based on the 1982 film of the same name. It tells the story of a struggling actor who dresses as a woman to land a role in a Broadway show. Tootsie opened on Broadway in 2019 and was an immediate critical and commercial success. With catchy musical numbers, dazzling costumes, and a witty book, Tootsie is a crowd-pleasing show that leaves audiences laughing and cheering. But how long does a performance of Tootsie actually last? Let’s take a closer look at the length of this hit Broadway musical.
Length of Tootsie
A typical performance of Tootsie the musical runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission. The show begins at 8pm and ends around 10:30pm. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, there are 2pm matinee performances that also run about 2 hours and 30 minutes long.
Here is a breakdown of the show’s length:
Act 1
Act 1 runs approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. It contains the setup of the story and introduction of main characters like Michael Dorsey and his friend Sandy Lester. Key musical numbers in Act 1 include “Opening Number,” “Whaddya Do,” and “I Won’t Let You Down.” Act 1 ends when Michael makes the decision to dress as a woman named Dorothy Michaels to get cast in a Broadway show.
Intermission
There is a 15 minute intermission between Act 1 and Act 2. Intermission gives the audience a chance to stretch, use the restroom, and purchase snacks and drinks. The intermission is an important part of the Broadway experience.
Act 2
Act 2 runs approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes as well. It focuses on the consequences of Michael’s decision to pose as Dorothy. Important songs in Act 2 include “What’s Gonna Happen,” “The Most Important Night of My Life,” and “Talk to Me Dorothy.” Act 2 builds to the emotional climax when Michael’s ruse is revealed. The show ends with a feel-good finale number called “With All Due Respect.”
Reasons for Length
There are several reasons why Tootsie runs 2 hours and 30 minutes:
- It’s a full length musical – Most Broadway musicals are between 2 and 3 hours long. Tootsie has enough story and songs to fill that standard length.
- Intermission – The 15 minute intermission adds to the total run time.
- Dialogue scenes – In addition to musical numbers, there are several scenes of dialogue and character development.
- Set and costume changes – Quick changes between lavish sets and costumes requires extra time.
- Emotional impact – The show needs a certain runtime to have the intended comedic and emotional impact.
The creators of Tootsie crafted the show to entertain audiences for a solid 2 hours and 30 minutes. They provide comedy, spectacle, and emotional moments to fill that block of time.
How Length Compares to Other Broadway Shows
At 2 hours and 30 minutes, Tootsie is typical of Broadway musicals in length. Here’s how it compares to other popular shows:
Show | Length |
---|---|
The Lion King | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Wicked | 2 hours 45 minutes |
The Book of Mormon | 2 hours 15 minutes |
Dear Evan Hansen | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Hamilton | 2 hours 45 minutes |
As you can see, most big Broadway shows are right in the 2-3 hour range. Very few shows go over 3 hours. So at 2 hours 30 minutes, Tootsie delivers a full length Broadway musical experience without going excessively long.
Why the Length Works
Tootsie’s runtime succeeds for several reasons:
- It’s long enough to tell a complete story with character development.
- The songs and dialogue are paced well so the show feels like it flies by.
- It allows for a satisfying emotional arc.
- The intermission provides a nice break in the middle.
- It’s short enough that audiences of all ages can remain engaged.
Feedback from Tootsie audiences indicates that the 2 hour 30 minute length feels just right. The show leaves them feeling entertained and satisfied.
Tips for Enjoying Tootsie
Here are some tips to make the most of your experience watching Tootsie:
- Arrive early – Be in your seat at least 15 minutes before the 8pm showtime.
- Visit the restroom – Use the restroom before the show or during intermission to avoid missing any of the action.
- Bring snacks/drinks – Having a snack during intermission can help you stay energized for Act 2.
- Know the run time – Understanding the 2 hour 30 minute run time can help you manage your energy.
- Laugh and have fun – Tootsie is hilarious, so laugh loudly and let yourself get caught up in the comedy.
- Stay positive – If you start feeling tired or antsy, remember you only have about 1 hour left to go.
- Limit alcohol – Enjoy drinks in moderation so you don’t get distracted during the show.
By following these tips, you’ll be primed to make the most of your entire Tootsie experience.
Conclusion
Tootsie dazzles audiences with its quick wit, spectacular musical numbers, dazzling costumes, and emotional story. At 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 15 minute intermission, the show has a standard Broadway musical length. The pacing allows the story to breathe while still moving briskly enough to keep viewers engaged. Tootsie’s length is ideal for bringing Michael Dorsey’s hilarious tale and transformational journey to life. So next time you’re lucky enough to get tickets to Tootsie, you can anticipate a performance of around 2 and a half hours. That gives you plenty of time to be thoroughly entertained by this big-hearted Broadway comedy sensation.