The Doctor Is In: Tommy Tune to Direct and Star in Dr. Dolittle Tour

Tommy Tune will take over as star and director of the troubled musical Dr. Dolittle. The show’s national tour, which was aborted in early October after a two-month run, is now scheduled to resume on January 17 at the Hobby Center in Houston, Texas. No additional casting or further tour dates have been announced.

Based on the stories by Hugh Lofting and the 1967 film that starred Rex Harrison, Dr. Dolittle has a book, music, and lyrics by Oscar winner Leslie Bricusse. The score includes the hit song “Talk to the Animals.” The tour previously starred Tom Hewitt in the title role and Nancy Anderson as Emma Fairfax.

Tune has won nine Tony Awards for acting, direction, and choreography. His Broadway credits include Seesaw, Nine, My One and Only, The Will Rogers Follies, and Grand Hotel. He is also the recipient of the National Medal of the Arts, eight Drama Desk Awards, two Obie Awards, and two Fred Astaire Awards.