Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 9, 2026, at the Teatro Verdi in Florence, the witty and sparkling musical Tootsie, directed by Massimo Romeo Piparo and based on the iconic 1982 film starring Dustin Hoffman, takes the stage.
The story follows Michael Dorsey (played by Paolo Conticini), a talented actor who struggles to keep a job. In a desperate bid to land a role in a musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, he disguises himself as a woman under the name Dorothy Michaels. His performance quickly propels him to Broadway fame, but success “as a woman” proves far more complicated than expected, testing his talent, his identity, and his relationships—especially with his friend and roommate Jeff (Mauro Casciari).
With a fast-paced rhythm, engaging music, and constant twists, Tootsie is a delightful blend of comedy and romance that explores the world of show business, love, gender dynamics, and the courage to take risks in order to succeed, all while maintaining a light-hearted touch. The story culminates in a reflection on identity and personal growth, gently yet profoundly reminding us that, sometimes, “one can be a better person as a ‘woman’ than as a ‘man.’”
