9 to 5

My thanks to “Connect” theatre company for their invitation to The Dolman Theatre Newport to see their latest production, the ever-popular Dolly Parton stage hit 9 To 5.

This was a first night performance and the energy of the opening scene built throughout the opening number of the classic title song of 9 to 5, with the whole cast ensemble starting from a slumber position with gradual increasing movement around the stage and into the iconic office scene.

The Dolman stage is a substantial area, and the cast had their work cut out filling the space with activity and movement while maintaining clear vocals against the requirements of the orchestral accompaniment. 

The powerful voice of Kesia Elliot as Doralee Rhodes had no problem with delivering the songs of Dolly Parton in the time-honoured country style especially in “Backwoods Barbie”.

Mollie Sheppard as Judy Burnley gave good rendition of “Get out and stay out” as a solo performance and made a very positive contribution to all principal vocals, especially “Shine Like the Sun” with Doralee and Violet to conclude act one.

Fiona Sherief-Davies as Violet Newstead gave an excellent performance showing both character acting skills and vocal clarity. A good rendition of “Let love Grow” with Joseph Cross as the would be love interest “Jo”, clearly demonstrated that she could sing as well as act. Excellent casting.

Ryan Millar as Franklin Hart put every ounce of energy into the character song “Here for You” but it was hard to equate the small minded and lecherous office Director with the stature of Ryan, who looks more in the realms of superhero and certainly not easy to capture and hold prisoner. 

Ruth Rees as the controlling and straight-laced Office Manager Ros Keith, with her fascination and unrequited passion for Company Director, Hart, gave an excellent characterisation of the dowdy bitter spinster. The solo “Heart to Hart” although performed well could have benefited from a greater visual change in the character, to give a greater distinction to the diverse sides of her character and give a  better visual experience for the audience of one of the best character songs in the show.

My congratulations to you all.

 

 

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