9 TO 5, the MUSICAL

With an idea by Jane Fonda and book by Patricia Resnick, “9 to 5” started as a comedy movie in 1980 with Dolly Parton starring in her first film and also writing and singing the title song. Twenty five years later Dolly wrote music and lyrics to develop the show into a stage musical, which opened on Broadway in 2008. The show then toured, reaching Manchester in 2010 and completing a UK wide tour in 2012/2013.

“9 to 5” features many scene changes, often involving large props such as office desks. These were on castors and managed pretty well by cast members although rather noisy. Suitable backdrops were projected on a cyc at the back. Hart’s office was an inset stage right (I loved the leather button back sofa) and the same for Violet’s living room with different dressing. Later on, the four poster bed would have been more effective if the top had been higher to enable Hart to really be “strung up” in the air. Lighting was quite simple; sound sometimes had audible interference. Costumes were 70s style office wear, with suitable variations in the dream sequences – however a few fairy tale characters in “Potion Notion” would have explained Violet’s apparel. Doralee’s wig was suitably reminiscent of Dolly; a couple of men’s wigs were rather suspect!

The three co-conspirators – Violet, Doralee and Judy were played by Emma Thorpe, Aine Trolan and Elaine Macauley. Each portraying very differing characters they had great onstage rapport and their vocals were individually good. Their collaboration to turn the tables on their ‘sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigoted’ boss was hilarious. Franklin Hart Jr. was expertly played by Alan Morton. He was entirely believable as the pompous and lecherous business leader and the audience thoroughly enjoyed his “come-uppance”! Sandra McElhinney was Ros, PA to Hart and infatuated with him!  “Heart to Heart” and “5 to 9” were most effective in showing her feelings for him!

Joe (Stevie Black), who fancied Violet, was a little effeminate in his advances but harmonised well with her in “Let Love Grow”. He was a little old for the role but the wig did him no favours!! All the Office girls and men, including Maria (Amy McCubbin), Kathy (Nicole Williams), Maria (Amy McCubbin and

Margaret the office lush (Kate Porter) gave good support to the main characters, and all the choral singing was impressive. Many minor roles such as Judy’s estranged husband Dwayne (Andy Lynn), Dorallee’s husband Dick (Pete Olphert), Mr.Tinsworthy (Harry Stinson) and others did their jobs effectively where needed – each had a small but vital part to play in the plot.

In spite of being beset by colds and flu it seemed that the whole cast were enjoying performing ‘9 to 5’

“Old hands” mixed with newcomers and some children joined them with little rehearsal time left. Choreographer Karen had her work cut out to accommodate all abilities – especially in “One of the Boys”

where the men’s group had to be augmented by a couple of girls! Choreography was at its best in the big production numbers. Andrew Robinson controlled his large orchestra pretty well in the usual cramped conditions of the Riverside. They were always sympathetic to those on stage. Kerry’s direction created a fast paced show. Only once the stage crew rushed on to clear an inset directly behind the action – if the actors had been moved to centre stage there would not have been any problem.

All in all I had a great evening’s entertainment with Portrush M.S. I love to travel up to the Riverside to see the show and meet so many friends in the society. My thanks to every one of them.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.