Jewish actress, 3G survivor echoes show’s message of love, acceptance
Everyone’s favorite alter ego Scottish nanny will be on stage in Houston Oct. 13-25 at the Hobby Center in the Broadway National Tour of Mrs. Doubtfire.
The popular movie starring Robin Williams turned live musical comedy follows the life of Daniel Hillard, a struggling, out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids.
After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the comical new persona of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives.
The National Tour, part of Theatre Under the Stars 2026-27 season, stars Craig Allen Smith (Danile Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire), Melissa Campbell (Miranda Hillard), Alanis Sophia (Lydia Hillard) and Brian Kalinowski (Frank Hillard).
Kasey Lazan
Jewish community member Kasey Lazan also plays a key role in the ensemble and is the assistant dance captain, while also covering for the principal role of Lydia.
The show’s message of love and acceptance really resonates with Lazan, whose role model is her grandmother, Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan.
Marion, 92, is a popular author and speaker, who regularly shares her experiences of overcoming the Holocaust with school groups, synagogues and others.
“I feel like the themes in Mrs. Doubtfire are exactly what she shares in her talks and in her book,” Lazan told the JHV just before the 15-show run in Houston.
“It’s all about accepting others for who they are, seeing people as human beings and just spreading love through all of that. I love that connection between the two.”
Lazan said she discovered her love of theatre from her grandmother.
“I am so grateful to have such a strong Jewish woman role model in my life, really guiding me through everything,” Lazan said. “She is so supportive of theatre and the arts and everytime I call her she says, ‘I told all my friends about you being on the national tour.’”
Lazan grew up in Vero Beach, Fla., and graduated with a degree in musical theater from Temple University in 2024.
She has played many roles in local theater groups, including Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, but got her first big break with Mrs. Doubtfire after moving to New York after graduating college.
Lazan has been on the tour since the beginning, more than one year on the road, bringing Mrs. Doubtfire to theaters all across the United States.
“It’s not always an easy job and the scheduling can be tiring, but once the downbeat of the overture starts, we are all collectively in it and ready to give the audience our best show,” Lazan said. “Audiences are truly loving it and have crazy laughs throughout.
“I feel like the ensemble really drives the comedic and musical aspect of the show. It’s really awesome how the musical is built and written. Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick did such a great job writing it. As soon as there is drama, you are hit with a musical number to bring the vibes up.”
Lazan points out two of the show’s most exciting scenes being when Daniel Hillard is first transformed into Mrs. Doubtfire and a later scene when Mrs. Doubtfire is trying to cook dinner for the children for the first time.
“It is such an awesome show with so many great themes and so many talented, kind people in it,” Lazan said. “And it is so well-received by a wide-range audience – it’s great for kids, it’s great for adults, it’s great for grandparents.”
The performance Lazan looks forward to most, however, will be in December, when Marion will get to watch her granddaughter perform live on the stage for the first time when the tour makes its way to Waterbury, Conn.
“She hasn’t seen me in any musicals,” Lazan said. “I am really looking forward to that.”
Mrs. Doubtfire will be at the Hobby Center for 15 shows Oct. 13-25. For showtimes and to purchase tickets, visit TUTS.org.