9 to 5

A change of venue from Brierley Hill Civic Hall to Stourbridge Town Hall was definitely a good move for CHAOS. In fact the company sparkled. It was a full house at the performance I attended and obviously their followers were quite happy to make the journey.  

The show opened with a freeze and there was not a flicker of movement anywhere. Following the video link announcement from Dolly Parton the show got underway. Three excellent leading ladies. Head of the Department, Violet (Michelle Cassells), country girl  Doralee (Salli Gage) and first time worker Judy (Louise Hicklin). 

This production sang and danced its way through the trials and tribulations of the world of big business where the boss Mr Hart (Greg Yates) worked hardest at the job of getting his female staff into bed. Violet believes she accidently poisoned him and when the ladies discovered a set of double accounts then the fun really started with the kidnapping of Mr Hart and suspending him from a harness above his bed. Violet then takes charge of the office and with her authority the business really takes an upward trend. Hart eventually escapes and tries to take all the credit for the improvement when CEO Tinsworthy (Michael Bradley) arrives. However all is happily sorted. Tinsworthy sees through the deception and Hart is hastily despatched to Bolivia, Violet is promoted and all the staff are happy knowing that the future is secure.

The supporting cast of partners, Joe (Tom Price in his first leading role), Dick (J Paul Murdock), Dwayne (Simon Bradley) and Violet’s son Josh (Lewis Hall) and secretary Roz (Liz Compton) kept the action moving along. Full marks to Margaret (Stella Guest) for acting the drunk in almost every scene but never once overplaying it.

Choreography well within the scope of the dancers and cast, with speciality routines for each leading lady having her own dance. A fairy magic for Violet, a Hoe-down for Doralee and a sexy dance complete with fans for July. A sparkling tap routine showed the versatility of the dancers. If you add to this lovely costumes, a supportive cast, good scene changes you have an evening of entertainment, which was certainly enjoyed by the full house audience.     

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