9 to 5

This iconic Dolly Parton Musical has been performed by many Societies over the past few years, but it is still fresh and thought provoking. SODS gave it their best and it was a very enjoyable and occasionally disturbing production. The concept of a sexist, arrogant and bigoted boss is, regrettably, still a possibility on the work place and, although set in the late 1970’s, has a lot of resonance today.

The three ladies leading the cast were all excellent, Ashley-Marie Stone gave a well-rounded and definitive performance as Violet, showing her development from a ‘put upon’ secretary to a determined and strong leader. Katy Flaherty (Dora-Lee) produced an iconic ‘Dolly Parton’ character reflecting Dolly’s own persona with strength and dignity. Charlotte Cavadesca (Judy) was the typical new girl, showing the characters development from a nervous housewife to a strong and independent women. The script calls for all three to demonstrate the development of feminism which happened at this time. They did this with style grace and excellent characterisation.

Simon Lambert produced a very definitive character as Franklin Hart Jr, not likeable at all, which is exactly what it should be. He actually made me feel quite uncomfortable, so job done! Sam Coles played his assistant Roz beautifully; her solo song was excellent, and the characterisation was spot on.

Charlie Evans-Rouse (Joe) Colby Fletcher (Dwayne) and Scarlett Reeve (Josh) completed the principal lineup. Although I think it would have been fine for Scarlett to play this character as a female, she did a good job as the sulky teenager.

The ensemble was all excellent and the dancers, especially the featured ones, delivered choreographer Ben Blackburn’s work with great energy and style. The choreography was iconic but that is what the show demanded.  

Scenery was professionally hired in and was moved and reset well by the cast and backstage crew. I did find the occasional blackout stopped the pace of the show and this had to be picked up again. I understand that these blackouts were scripted but, these days, it is the norm for scene changes to be done in plain sight and I think the blackouts could have been avoided.

Costumes were exceptional, yes, I know costumes are my ‘thing’ but I really appreciated the difference between the drab colours of the first half and the bright ones in the second. It highlighted the development of the plot well.

Lighting and sound were, mainly, fine, although I found the band to be too loud, occasionally drowning out the performers dialogue. I do wonder if the sound levels are set in an empty theatre with little thought to the effect a full auditorium might have. I was seated near the back, so it wasn’t too bad, but I overhead a number of people who were seated further forward, saying that they had difficulty hearing some of the dialogue.

Overall, a very entertaining and enjoyable performance, well done SODS.

Tessa Davies, Councillor NODA East

On behalf of Natalie Hills, Rep D 10

 

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