9 to 5

Dolly Parton’s Eighties musical 9 to 5 requires three strong differentiated women to play Violet, Judy and Doralee who drive the story and the best songs and MAOS are fortunate to have three such actresses to lead their return to the stage post Covid. They bring a delightful energy and great range of emotions to their characters with fine contrasting voices.

The conversion of the deconsecrated church which is now the Wycombe Arts Centre into a musical theatre venue is a significant endeavour with a raised platform for the 12-piece band at rear of stage set, a full lighting rig and sound system and raised towers for the sound desk and follow spots and the society successfully created an effective stage space and well-balanced sound mix. The use of the original pulpit was cleverly incorporated in the scenes.

The band produced a rich sound with a large brass section that filled the venue with music that naturally got the audience feet tapping and sent them home humming the tunes with a smile on their face.The Choreography was very good offering plenty of variation and some enjoyable touches.The Director created a very good staging and a slick show which drew out the different female characters very well. 

The characters of the three co-workers at the centre of the story were very well established by their costume choices, hair, and accents, creating distinctive personalities with layers of emotions and responses. Together there were strong and individually they showed they could hold their own centre stage to lead a most enjoyable production.

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