9 to 5 - The Musical

9 to 5 is a musical that shows the strength women have when they join forces and decide to change their circumstances. GDS’s production of “9 to 5: The Musical” is due to its three leads who equally share the limelight, office supervisor Violet Newstead, new employee Judy Bernly and  misunderstood Doralee Rhodes. In the show, each character learns how to overcome harassment in the office, so she can become a force to be reasoned with and change the workplace to be better for women. In addition to one or two catchy tunes, the choreography by Amy Allen and superb direction by Rachel Ann Crane Herbert make this an enjoyable evening at the theatre.

Set in 1979, “9 to 5” deals with sexist-based discrimination and attitudes in the office and the advances of boss Hart. Based on the 1980 movie “9 to 5” that starring Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton in the roles of Violet, Judy and Doralee, the stage version opened on Broadway in 2009 with book and music by Parton. It features many of her tunes, including the title song. Unfortunately it flopped on Broadway after a short run. Doralee is a Southerner who is happily married, disliked in the office by her office co-workers. Doralee a very amply endowed lady up top, she endures sexual harassment by Hart too, who has been claiming in the office that the two are having an affair. Doralee knows nothing of his boastful lies about her. Laura Dee an accomplished actress puts her mark on this part and it shows, her accent was flawless and her singing awesome, just perfect for this role. Jeni Boyns playing Violet with a certain flair for this type of role, acted and sang her heart out and it also showed. Violet got her teeth into her long-overdue promotion by her sexist, chauvinistic boss Franklin Hart, Jr. (Glenn Atkinson). Glenn took this role and gave it his best !! Not an easy part, playing a chauvinistic nasty piece of work, but with the guidance of Director Rachel he made it.. Glenn's singing voice is one of the best in Medway’s theatre, Glenn kept his character throughout his song ‘Here for you’. Judy is a newly divorced woman in her first job, dumped by her husband, who is now with his secretary with whom he was having an affair. Claire Scholes gave this part the comedy it needed and wow can this lady belt out a song. Teaming these three ladies together was perfect casting by Rachel. Liz McSherry deserves mention for her portrayal of Hart’s assistant, Roz Keith, who is romantically obsessed with her boss Hart. Trying to keep her cool but losing it in the end, Liz got the balance just right. Lewis Mathews as Joe the love interest with Violet, gave the part a certain amount of vulnerability, as only Lewis can do. A young actor  that can do it all: sing, dance and act.

Now for the supporting roles. These characters stood out in this production for me, Tonia Plowman playing three parts, her Tea Lady was hilarious; Marianna Allen as the drunk, gave us lots of comedy. Lee Round a well seasoned actor giving us Tinsworthy.

Costumes as per usual by the costume ladies, Jo Kimber and Julie Smith, were mainly in period, but I think Lewis’s suits were 60s, only my opinion, as always this review is. Props again in the capable hands of John Endicott and Gerry Flanagan.Orchestra in the hands of Owen McColgan was loud, mainly due to too much percussion, I felt at times that the actors on stage were having to shout over it. This is no fault of Owen as many musicals are scored this way nowadays. Owen as MD was in control from start to finish and gave us a near flawless orchestra. Director Rachel Ann Crane-Herbert you certainly moulded this cast into giving us a great night's entertainment. I hope this is going to continue in the future, you have a certain flare for directing.

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