9 to 5 - The Musical

This Musical with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and script by Patricia Resnick, is based on the 1980 film of the same name, with screenplay Patricia Resnick and Colin Higgins.  Set in 1979 it tells the story of Violet, Doralee and Judy, three very different but downtrodden women, who work for Consolidated Industries, for a sexist, lecherous and self-opinionated man Frank Hart Jr.   It shows how unlikely friendships are forged and how the women become empowered. 

The show was ‘introduced’ by a projected Dolly Parton who made several ‘appearances’ as the musical progressed.  The title number 9 to 5 opened the show with the full company dancing and singing with gusto, which set the standard for the evening.  There were a number of well-chosen projections used to move to new venues, with appropriate furniture for each.  Set changing, was done quickly and efficiently by a large, well-disciplined stage crew.  The lighting had been well designed and operated, with well-controlled follow spots.  The sound balance was good although in this small Theatre with the style of music, the Band was a little loud at times.  The costumes and wigs worked well in helping to create the visual appearance of the different characters, with unmistakeable ‘Dolly Parton’ wig for Doralee.

Musical Director Mark Aitchison had worked hard with his singers and band to produce some upbeat ensemble numbers and well interpreted solos.  For a show that initially appears to be ‘one for the ladies’ there are many ensemble numbers, which require male and female balance.

The show had been well cast and everyone obviously enjoyed being part of the show.  Violet, played by Beth Cox, is a widow with a teenage son, who has worked for the company for many years but has never risen in the company as she is always passed over by men.  This is a complex character as she has to show the anxiety of bringing up a teenage son; the conflict of being a ‘one man woman’ with her reluctance to start a new relationship; and that she is a very capable business woman.  All facets of her character were clearly shown, and her duet with Joe was a delight.  Jenna Surman captured the sexy, blonde bombshell, country girl, Doralee to perfection.  She is Hart’s secretary but is always rejected by the others as Hart has led everyone to believe she is having an affair with her.  As she is happily married to Dwayne, when she finds out she wants revenge.  She captured the innocence of the character so well, and her ‘Backwoods Barbie’ was lovely.  Aimee Sullivan, as new girl Judy, who has not worked in an office before, and has just been abandoned by her husband for a younger woman, showed how vulnerable she was at the beginning.  As the show progressed, strengthened by the other women she is able to reject her errant husband in a heart felt ‘Get Out and Stay Out’ nice character development.  Carol Bowman, as officious Office ‘tell tale’ Roz, who is in love with Hart, had very little sympathy from the audience, who were glad when she got her just desserts.  All the other females gave good individual performances with Joy-Amy Wigman in a lovely cameo role as the office lush.  Gar Haseley-Nejrup gave a well-balanced performance as lecherous boss, Franklin Hart Jr. never taking it too far.  His amusing ‘Here For You’ was sung with such sincerity it cold not fail to make people laugh.  The minor male roles were handled well with that lovely duet from Michel Fay, as Joe, Violet’s would be love interest.  Kier Kille, gave a relaxed performance as Dwayne, Doralee’s husband, which made a believable relationship.

Charlie Chitty, as Violet’s teenage son, was a typical embarrassed teenager.  Jake Nevin, as Dick, Judy’s errant husband, who cannot believe it when she refuses to take him back.  Ben Nicholls, as Tinsworthy the Chairman of the Board, who turns up to pack Hart off to Bolivia. 

The choreography from Lucas Bailey was extremely lively and energetic and I enjoyed it; although there were times I felt he might have overstretched some members of the cast.

Director Nick Tobias had worked well with his cast, choreographer and MD, to bring a high energy, pacey show to the stage.  Everyone had worked hard to bring out the humour, and although I felt the joint smoking scene was too long, a fault of the writing not the production, it was funny.  Everyone had obviously worked with great enthusiasm and team spirit and enjoyed themselves.  Well done 

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