9 to 5 the Musical

What a great delight it was to visit Morley's production of '9 to 5 the Musical' - if anything was needed to lift our spirits after the passing of our dear Queen, this was just the thing. I read in the President's notes in the programme that this show was due to be presented in 2020 and 2021, but due to Covid had been postponed - I can assure you it was well worth the wait! 

The story of '9 to 5' is quite well known, but to refresh any memories, the story centres around three women - Doralee, Violet and Judy, who all work for Conglomerates Inc. - they are pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss, Franklin Hart Junior. They devise a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their awful boss - the question is, will they manage to reform their office work pattern, or will it all go wrong when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? 

The production was masterfully directed by Michael Kirkby - the Morley Town Hall stage is extremely difficult to work on with barely any room side-stage - but Michael has experience and knowledge of theatre to present to his audience a slick, entertaining production of which he should be personally proud.

The cast were all exceptional, playing their roles with the two 'Es' I love, energy and enthusiasm!  Julie Davies as Violet gave an assured performance with experience that was so noticeable as she moved about the stage. Doralee, the part that Dolly Parton played in the original film, was perfect in her interpretation, bubbly but not as air-brained as first thought!  Jeni Riordan played Judy - the innocent new employee but with a hidden clever brain to sort out Mr Hart!  All three girls were excellent in their roles - strong acting and a huge vocal range - I have to mention Jeni's rendering of 'Get Out and Stay Out' sung to her controlling boyfriend which gave me goosebumps - excellent!  And now to the hated Mr Hart! Richard Armstrong gave a brlliant performance in this role - by the end, you had to feel a bit sorry for his character being tied up, branded, thrown about the stage - all completely correct for his character!  Roz, the office sneak and Mr Hart's only devotee, was played with great comic timing by Jane Ellaway - I have known Jane for a very long time and I have never known her give a mediocre performance, but this must be her finest - her 'Hart to Heart' number had the audiences in uproarious laughter, so clever!  Joe, Dwayne and Josh, played respectively by Paul Metcalfe, Chris Sheard and Adam Megson were excellent as foils for the lead girls - all strong Principal performers. I must also mention Steven Holt who played the company CEO - a cameo role played to perfection!

The remaining smaller roles gave the same assured approach - it happens sometimes that these roles are thrown away, but not in this case - well done!  To support the principals, the male and female ensembles worked very hard and maintained a high degree of performance.

The Musical Director, James Greatorex, deserves the highest praise for his work on the vocal aspect of the production and for his fabulous band - great rhythms and he was attuned to supporting his principals in their numbers. The musical numbers, so cleverly written by Dolly Parton, were, as you would expect, quite country and western in arrangement, but completely in keeping with the style of the piece.

Amy Roche-Sheard choreographed the ensemble numbers - what I admired was her use of simple but effective steps for these, and may I say, very well-rehearsed - I didn't see a foot wrong!

If I had a criticism at all, it would be with the sound levels throughout the show - I was seated in the circle and I could hear the band very well -however, the dialogue was somewhat muffled - it was hard at times to follow the story line - this could be the type of sound equipment used and also may be due to the actors having to speak in strong American accents - these can be hard on English ears - my drama teacher always advised slowing down the delivery and the tone - it can help....

Gayna Goalby, Stage Manager and her tireless crew had a hard job on their hands in this production. I also liked the use of back projection, which added to the settings - there were lots of scene changes, performed effortlessly by the crew.

From the costume point of view, this show is not easy - set in 1979, it's very hard to find authentic costumes, but Tracy Stocks, together with Andrea Holt must have trawled vintage shops over a wide radius to get what they wanted! Very impressive!

As always, the Front-of-House team were in top form and the audience were generous in their appreciation - so good to hear cheers and applause once again!

As Dolly Parton would say - 'Well done y'all - Yee ha!!'

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