9 to 5

9 To 5 The Musical

Presented by

Five Towns Theatre

Based on the hit film of the same name, with Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, book by Patricia Resnick. You know you’re on to a winner when the legend that is Dolly Parton, projected onto the 9 to 5 logo above the stage, introduces a quick show synopsis.

Lively full cast opening number, a subtle and smooth introduction into the show. Lots of movement in the opening, impressive synchronisation of steps and great use of office props made it really zing along. This set the bar high for the rest of the show with great choreography throughout from Choreographer/Producer Ed Costello.

Set in the 80’s patriarchal world of typewriter pools and extremes, our three heroines Violet, Doralee and Judy; skilfully embodied by Abby Evans, Kira Matthews and Leah Dowell respectively; are brought together into the world of Corporate America. Trying to make a living under the critical ever-watchful eye of the Boss’s office snitch, Roz, hilariously encapsulated by Rosemary Gresty; restrained yet played for the maximum laughter appeal. It worked well.

The man at the heart of the company, curtailing any female ambition, aspirations, or promotion, whatsoever, the odious, overbearing letch that is Franklin Hart Jr. A paragon of back slapping, old school tie misogyny, excellently portrayed by Jordan Harrison, his rendition of the lewdly salacious “Here For You” was oozingly brilliant.

It is when Franklin oversteps the mark promoting a young guy that Violet trained, she finally blows her top, aided and abetted by Doralee and Judy, they’re forced into desperate measures to teach Franklin a lesson. This was played to perfection, building jeopardy and excitement finally climaxing Act One with a half-naked, bound and gagged Franklin suspended in mid-air in his own bedroom.

Costumes looked very time appropriate. All the cast sang and performed well, lead’s vocals thoughtful and well-schooled. The pace and styling of the show was very good. Great Fun, suspending reality for a couple of hours.

The almost seamless scene changes were especially slick, the cast assisting with props as and when required this worked visually very well indeed. The switching from office to Hart’s bedroom was particularly good.

Act Two. With the dastardly Hart safely tied up (literally) the three intrepid ladies run the office in his stead. Despite much interference from Roz, using Doralee’s forging skills, the girls’ management turns office morale around, productivity goes through the roof and eventually this comes to the notice of company owner Mr Tinsworthy.

Craftily Hart manages to get the better of a distracted Judy, escaping his bonds, he returns to the office to have all three arrested for kidnapping, just as Mr. Tinsworthy arrives to praise Harts improved performance figures. Hart unaware of the improvements, lays the responsibility firmly at the girls feet, Violet gets promoted to CEO in his place, Hart and Roz are posted down South.

An excellent big twelve-piece band rocked and funked their way through the numbers with true to era sounds under the very capable baton of Director/Musical Director Keith Ragdale. Sound was well balanced overall.

A vibrant, lively show peppered with great songs and performances by all.

 

 

 

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