9 to 5 The Muscial

A lovely, warm welcome on a chilly evening awaited me at the gorgeous Georgian Theatre in Richmond last evening as I went to see ‘9 to 5’ The musical performed by Richmond Operatic Society. A company that has recently come under my district and I’m so glad it has!

‘9 to 5’ is based on the 1980 movie of the same name, which features music and lyrics by the legend herself, Dolly Parton.

It centres on the downtrodden working lives of three women, Violet, Judy, and Doralee. They all work at Consolidated Industries, which is presided over by the sexist, lecherous, and pompous bigot, Franklin Hart.

Violet, who in this production was played by Amy Fudali, has worked at Consolidated for many years, but has never been given the chance to rise above senior supervisor status, although she is capable of much more. Judy, played Maia Hughes, is newly separated and joins the company having never worked before. Doralee is a sexy, happily married country girl, but she is ostracized from the other female workers. After Judy has an awful first day, Mr Hart, played by Kevin Murray, passes Violet over for another promotion, and Doralee, played Isla Henderson, finds out that Hart has been telling everyone they are having an affair, the three women unite in their hatred of Hart.

Over a joint that Violet’s son Josh gives them, they fantasize about how they would kill him. What unfurls is not what you would expect from three seemingly normal ladies! But let’s just say, Mr Hart was indisposed for a little while.

With a cast of only 19, this group certainly commanded the stage for the whole show. They had the audience with them the entire way through, wondering what was going to happen next…..especially as the curtain fell for the interval with the image we were left with!

A few mentions I must make. Firstly, to Amy Fudali as Violet. This lady never ceases to amaze me with her versatility and strength on stage. Not only with her acting skills but also with her voice. She led the cast superbly well and never lost focus once (even when she spotted me in the box haha). The perfect role for her.

Isla Henderson as Doralee (whom we all came to know and love as Dolly Parton) gave a commanding performance on stage with her sassitude! Her accent was on point and you could definitely see some Dolly in her. Great vocals and clear diction throughout. Well done.

Maia Hughes as the lovable newbie Judy was great from start to finish. She had some of the best comical lines in the show and each and every one landed perfectly to laughter from the audience. Never an easy task but you manged it. As with the other 2 ladies, great vocal attitude which blended well for the part. Well done.

Kevin Murray as Mr Hart, well what can I say!? I will never look at him in the same way again haha! A powerful and commanding performance which was spot on for this role. You truly had the audience hating you which for this particular role, was exactly the right thing.

Sam Fitzsimmons had a great part in my eyes. The up-tight, strict and stern faced head honcho, Roz who had a loveable side….especially for Mr Hart but never liked to show in it public.

Brody Laudon as the love interest of Violet really owned his part. The chemistry he had on stage was clear throughout and especially between himself and Amy (Violet) in the second half.

Benji, Will, Naomi, Freya, Nicola, Caitlin, Charlie, Helen, Rhoda, Helen, Caitlin, Amelia and Sam, you all did a fabulous job and you could see that you were having the time of your lives on that stage. Which is exactly how it should be! All portraying your own special, unique characters which the audience got to see in abundance (especially the seemingly acted drunkenness of a particular character haha.

To the production team, led by Director Victoria Bennett and Producer Suanne Hutchins, I say a big BRAVO! With the restrictions you have to work with in this Theatre. You should all be proud as punch for what you have pulled off.

Everything worked well together from the costumes to the set, the wardrobe to the make up and from the stage up to the Band on the top level. Nicely blended instruments and not one overpowering the vocals.

I look forward to seeing you all again next May and thank you to Rhoda for the lovely welcome and to the whole company for a great night at the Theatre.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.