NW Valley Times

Pili Fronda attended a performance workshop in New York during his sophomore year at Grand Canyon University (GCU), which led to his role with the "Mrs. Doubtfire" tour. Photos by Ralph Freso.

“Props for props,” said Dr. Craig Detweiler, College of Arts and Media dean, prompting cheers and applause for the national touring production of Broadway show "Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy."

Grand Canyon University alumnus Pili Fronda visited his alma mater with Tony Award nominee and "Mrs. Doubtfire" lead Rob McClure, Broadway actresses Giselle Gutierrez and Gina Ward, and head of props Will Blair. They spoke to a business entertainment class about navigating the entertainment industry.

“It’s an interesting experience to not only be able to come back here but also have a show playing 20 minutes away,” said Fronda of the production, which wrapped up its Phoenix shows Sunday at ASU Gammage. “They can see exactly what is going on in the classroom and how they can transfer to real life.”

Just three weeks before his junior year at GCU ended, Fronda received a call to join "Mrs. Doubtfire" as a drummer on its first national tour.

Fronda initially got his foot in the door when he attended a performance workshop in New York during his sophomore year of college. While that show didn’t go far, the same team later worked on "Mrs. Doubtfire" on Broadway, establishing connections that opened doors for him.

“It took time to figure out, but what are you going to do? Say no to this?”

An opportunity like this did not just fall into his lap, Fronda stressed to junior and senior students looking to pursue careers in the entertainment industry.

“I was making sure I was sharpening my tools in the meantime, which doesn’t mean just showing up to class. I was going to practice, finding gigs, playing at Valley Youth Theatre with music director Mark Fearey all the time. There is a lot that goes on outside of just being in class.

“It came with a lot of preparation," Fronda said.

"Mrs. Doubtfire" on Broadway is approaching its 400th appearance nationally and internationally.

Alongside 50 cast and crew members, Fronda, McClure, Gutierrez, Ward and Blair have brought fun and laughter to audiences. At each location, they are joined by an additional 70 local crew members who temporarily join the team for smooth execution of the show.

On most days, the crew meets at 6 a.m., working until 5 p.m., when sound checks start, Blair said. Most of their day involves unloading equipment from five semitrucks while mentoring local crew members on organizing a Broadway show.

“It’s offstage choreography,” Blair said. “Everything in the wing is precisely choreographed -- where we stand, where they stand, quick changes. It is all measured out every day.”

Every prop plays an important role in major productions like "Mrs. Doubtfire," with nothing onstage without purpose.

Fronda recalled seeing Blair ensuring all props were carefully organized: “There is a scene where they are working with butter,” he said. “One day we got replacement butter that is heavier than it’s supposed to be... Will Blair had all butters laid out on a scale... saying 'too heavy.'”

Rob McClure spoke about bonding within their team: “On the road... same airport... same hotel... When they say you become family... it’s not hyperbole.”

Students were interested in how Fronda and Gutierrez managed college courses while working around-the-clock on Broadway tours.

“If Giselle Gutierrez and I weren’t doing the show,” Fronda said,“we were either in the hotel lobby or at a coffee shop.” He completed his degree away from GCU while touring Florida but celebrated when McClure handed him his mailed degree playfully.

“There is something about the curtain going up on the road where... audience [is] excited...” McClure added.“There is gratitude.”

GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]

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