9 to 5

Based on the iconic 1980 film ‘9 to 5’ starring Dolly Parton, this stage musical with the music and lyrics written by Dolly herself is an absolute winner. The story focuses mainly on three women working in the office of Consolidated Industries and their efforts to get one over on their chauvinistic boss to achieve equal rights for women in the workplace.

This was an energetic, uplifting production with each cast member depicting his or her own individual character bringing out every ounce of humour in the script. There was some glorious singing by both principals and the ensemble while the imaginative, varied styles of choreography were slick and precise and looked effortless by all on stage. The dynamic ‘9 to 5’ opening number got the show off to a rousing start and the high quality level of singing, acting and movement never faltered throughout the entire production.

The success of this show is to some extent reliant on the three female leads and here was a superb trio who complemented each other perfectly. There was a genuine bond between them, their interaction and understanding of each other played with sincerity and perfect timing. Their vocal blending was also impressive.

Denise Treanor gave a first class portrayal of the office supervisor Violet. The ‘mother’ of the office she most ably contrasted her brash, strong manner standing up to her boss with her more sympathetic, supportive side. ‘One of the Boys’ where she showed her determination was a powerful stand out number both vocally and in the dance routine while ‘Let Love Grow’ with Joe was tender and conveyed the more vulnerable side to her character.

Sarah -Louise Donnelly gave an outstanding performance as Judy, the new girl in the office. She absolutely embraced the part developing the character from the the naive, timid Judy to the confident, determined Judy brilliantly. Her number ‘Get Out and Stay Out’ when she finally has the confidence to take charge of her own life was sung with absolute conviction and emotion. Wonderful!

Monica Fowler had the perhaps unenviable task of playing the Dolly Parton type role Doralee. Monica looked fabulous and did not try to imitate the legendary Dolly making the part very much her own and utterly believable. She easily maintained the deep south accent throughout and ‘Blackwood Barbie’ was a delight. The scenes where the three girls fantasise about how they would deal with their boss Franklin Hart jnr were absolutely captivating and they obviously revelled in the action when capturing their boss..

PeterTomassi was a very fine Franklin Hart jnr. Dominating, sleezy and a real Lethario he knew how to extract the humour from the role and how to move !

Although Hart is generally disliked by his staff he has one loyal admirer - Roz. Rosie Sugrue gave a brilliant interpretation of the character showing no inhibitions in demonstrating her frustration and true feelings for her boss very much wearing her heart on her sleeve. With perfect comedic timing, her number ‘Heart to Hart’ was one of the stand out numbers in the show with the audience loving her every move.

Andrew Hally gave a very warm portrayal of the the young office accountant Joe who has feelings for Violet who is much older that he is. The gentle manner in which he managed to persuade Violet that age should not be a deterrent in their relationship was quite moving.

The many supporting cameo roles were all extremely well played.

This was a busy production with much moving of furniture and scene changes which were managed smoothly and discretely never distracting from the focal points on stage. The many quick costume changes were also expertly handled. The small band did an excellent job in supporting the singers and really let their hair down at the Entr’acte and Play Out receiving well deserved applause.

This was altogether a memorable, polished production from a very talented company with a strong line up of principal characters and a first-rate ensemble all of whom played with confidence and with real attention to detail. I enjoyed it immensely and left singing. Excellent work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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