9 to 5

This show was a real display of star studded ‘girl power’ from start to finish, acting, singing and comic timing all fully explored within the script, but not disregarding the male presence as well appointed support.

The staging was simple but clever, including trucks, and stage-managed very slick transitions between scenes, supported by lighting and projection effects to deliver the 9 to 5 vibe.

The band like-wise had a great balance and was sympathetic to the vocalists and young dancers throughout the production.

Our opening introduction to Violet, was superbly characterised by a strong, relaxed and engaging cast member, Jennifer Redpath. Her skilled interaction as office manager saw her lead the big opening number’ 9 to 5’ into ‘Around Here’, as well as displaying strong solo, duet and trio vocals. Her highlights were without doubt, the real belter of a number, ‘One of the Boys’, the harmonic duet ‘ Let Love Grow’ with Joe and the trio, ‘I Just Might’ with Judy and Doralee.

New office staff member Judy, was in the perfect hands of last year’s leading lady, Claire Taylor. A confident and experienced actress and beautiful singer, she conveyed every nuance of her character from vulnerable to becoming strong within the story, which was a massive contribution within the ‘girl power’ trio. Apart from the aforementioned highlights, a special mention for her solo, ‘Get Out, Stay Out’, which proved again her superb vocal ability.

Dolly lookalike character Doralee, was superbly played by Michelle Gillies. With the perfect demeanour and quality vocals she shone throughout, projecting a Dolly-like star quality into ‘Backwoods Barbie’ and the ‘Cowgirl’s Revenge’, not forgetting an harmonic contribution to all the memorable trios. 

Roz was superbly played by stalwart member Sadie Johnstone. Her star quality show piece, ‘Heart to Hart’, saw her throw caution to the wind and proved her comedic acting, strong vocals and dance ability could win her massive applause.

The misogynistic role of Hart was in the experienced hands of Dougal Affleck, earning him credit for his comic characterisation, especially when he was literally hung up to dry in the abduction scene. Well done girls!!

It was brilliant to see the talented Alan Thomson as Joe back on stage again after his break from KAOS and musical theatre. Playing his character to perfection, he also confirmed that he hadn’t lost his superb singing voice and was well rewarded by the audience appreciation for ‘Let Love Grow’.

Cameo role Josh was convincingly played by a young lady too. Lara Reader adding her stamp to ‘girl power’.

As a fast moving piece of theatre, with many well cast cameo roles, the show has quite obviously been a real coup for the directional husband and wife team this year. To  quote the fabulous, celebratory musical number, ‘Shine Like The Sun’, Kelso has been in a blaze of light this week, giving them a very bright future in the Borders Musical Theatre calendar.   

Thank you once again for your very kind hospitality.

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.