9 to 5 The Musical

“9 to 5” is a challenging fast paced dynamic musical based on the 1980 movie of the same name with lyrics and music written by Dolly Parton from a book by Patricia Resnick, based on the screenplay by Resnick and Colin Higgins. The show is full of energy, with a winning mix of feminist indignation, raucous good humour and some genuinely touching moments, it also has a fantastic eclectic mix of great musical numbers and Adlington Music & Arts Society met all the challenges to make this show a resounding success. Once again the set builders under the direction of Stage Manager Stephen Pilkington produced an innovative set and along with excellent technical input which included some appearances by Dolly Parton herself in filmed segments, projected on to the face of a giant clock, made a superb platform and environment for the excellent cast to work on. The cast included three very talented ladies in the principle roles of three female co-workers pushed to boiling point, who devise a plan to get even with the sexist, lying, bigot of a boss Franklin Hart Jnr with very funny consequences, who finally receives his comeuppance, they were Diane Simmons as the brainy passed over for promotion Violet Newstead, Rebecca Crookson as  Executive Assistant and sexually harassed Doralee Rhodes and Caroline Bond as the recently divorced, frazzled new employee Judy Bernly. All three were very well cast, worked well together and sang very well giving excellent strong all round performances. Ian Hawyes as their boss Franklin Hart Jnr was a revelation his performance of the song “I’m here for You” was superbly performed and choreographed with just the right level of innuendo to make it very funny and not offensive. Joy Plowes as Roz Keith, Hart’s Personal Assistant and office mole who eavesdrops on her colleague’s conversations, reporting back to Hart, for whom she nurtures a secret passion, produced a great comedic characterisation performing the song “Heart to Heart” wonderfully again with excellent choreography. Chris Baily as Joe, Violets love interest was very comfortable and believable in his role and he also sang very well. Other enjoyable performances were from Rob Armstrong as Dwayne Doralee’s husband and Jack Moss as Josh, Violets son, also the actors in smaller supporting roles performed strongly producing some wonderful amusing characters and the ensemble performed with lots of energy and enthusiasm supporting the principle cast very well. By the end of the show the three women have given their workplace a makeover which goes. down very well with the chairman of the overall company, and they are offered control of the company that had always kept them down.

Diction, projection and clarity was very good enabling the audience to follow the story which is very important in any production but, especially in a relatively new musical where the story is not as well known. American accents were spot on and maintained throughout as were the characterizations, as no one appeared to drop out of character

The Orchestra led by Musical Director James Eccleshare played very well supporting the cast excellently, and there was some great singing by both the principles and chorus in this show so well done to James and to Dave Dossett the Chorus Master. Choreography appeared just right for the type of production and the cast appeared to enjoy performing it, costumes were just right for the characters and the era and along with the music and the choreography added to the success of the production helping to generate the general feeling of energy and enthusiasm produced on stage

Congratulations to Director and Choreographer Christian Brabin for a truly outstanding production. Thank you for inviting us we had a lovely evening.
 

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