9 to 5

9 to 5

The Bentley

Capstone Theatre

17/06/206

Inspired by the much-loved 1980s film, 9 to 5 this Musical is a joyful story about friendship, courage, and standing up for what’s right, all set to toe-tapping tunes you’ll be humming long after the curtain falls. Lively, empowering, and outrageously funny. At Consolidated Industries in the late 1970s, the story opens with the company anthem "9 to 5" introducing the workers. Featuring an irresistible score by country music legend Dolly Parton, this hit show follows three office workers Violet Newstead (Kizzy Leigh), Doralee Rhodes (Sophie Cottrell) and Judy Bernly (Sarah Carroll) who’ve had enough of their overbearing, chauvinistic boss. When a wild idea turns into a daring plan for revenge, chaos, comedy, and sisterhood take centre stage. The show truly shines through the performances of its three female leads, Violet, Doralee, and Judy, and the unpopular Franklyn Hart. Violet is an overworked, highly competent head secretary and single mother to Josh (Dylan Tuddenham) who is continually passed over for promotions in favour of men. Doralee is a bubbly happily married Dwayne Rhodes), Texas-born secretary who is unfairly judged by her looks and rumoured to be having an affair with the boss. Judy is a timid, nervous newcomer entering the workforce for the first time after her cheating husband abandons her for his secretary.

As the clocks ring and the workers wake up, Violet, Doralee, and Judy prepare for work "9 to 5" begins another mundane and hellish day at work under Franklin Hart, Jr. (Jonny Atherton) President at Consolidated Industries, a chauvinistic, manipulative boss who constantly takes credit for Violet's ideas and sexually harasses Doralee. Hart's devoted and snooty assistant, Roz (Chloe Warren), acts as his spy, reporting any complaining employees to him. Judy and Violet meet for the first time and Judy reveals she does not have any work experience at all, but Violet states she will be proud to train her and gives her a few tips and pointers for surviving office life ("Around Here"/ Back to Work). Fellow office staff, Margaret (Helen Johnson) Maria (Chloe Bloomfield) and Kathy (Hope McNulty) welcomed Judy. Violet as an admirer at Consolidated Industries, junior accountant Joe Wright (Harry Thompson) although a lot younger than her he convinces her of his feelings for her. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee bond over their shared frustrations. While smoking marijuana together, they fantasize about various comical ways to get rid of Hart, (‘Dance of Death’ Judy. ‘Cowgirls Revenge’ Doralee. ‘Potion Notion’ Violet) The next day, an accidental mix-up leads Violet to believe she has poisoned Hart's coffee. In a panic they inadvertently kidnap him. They know Hart’s wife Missy (Jayne Stanford-Downs) is away so they tie him up in his own house, taking total control of the office. While Hart remains "otherwise engaged," Roz is looking for Hart. She is concerned that he hasn't called her back. 

 The women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company ‘Shine Like the Sun’ that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can't she?

Over at Hart's House, Judy is babysitting Hart. Her ex-husband has followed her he wants her back. Judy refuses ("Get out and Stay Out").  Hart takes the opportunity and overpowers Judy to escape to return to the office.

Chairman of the Board, Mr. Tinsworthy (Steve Riordan), is on his way up to the office. demanding to know who is responsible for the 20% increase in company productivity. Hart tries to tell him about being taken hostage but Violet wisely pre-empts him and comes clean. Tinsworthy, believing it is all a prank, dismisses the claims; sending Hart to Bolivia for the opening of their next big operation and Violet will replace Hart as CEO of the company.

Bentley Operatic Society once again demonstrated their imaginative approach to theatre, continually pushing creative boundaries with innovative staging, lighting and sound. 9 to 5 was no exception. Using a deceptively simple set comprising just four movable partitions, two desks, two chairs and a ladder, the production created a surprisingly versatile playing space that effortlessly transported the audience through the story's many locations. The minimalist design never felt lacking; instead, it allowed the exceptionally talented cast to take centre stage, showcasing their energy, comic timing and vocal ability without distraction. Every production element worked in perfect harmony, resulting in a slick, vibrant and thoroughly entertaining evening. Great credit must go to the director Jim Craig for assembling and inspiring such a stellar cast, everyone on stage was outstanding. To the choreographer Neil Fisher for dynamic, polished routines that perfectly captured the show's spirit, and to the musical director Wendy Tucker, whose outstanding work ensured confident vocals and a superbly balanced orchestra throughout. This was another outstanding Bentley production, demonstrating that imagination, creativity and talent can achieve far more than elaborate scenery ever could.

Thank you, The Bentley, for a splendid entertaining evening of musical theatre, it is an evening I will remember for some time. Congratulations.

 

 

Joanne Rymer

NOD

District 4

 

 

 

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