9 to 5 - The Musical

What a wonderful way to spend a Friday evening … watching Corby Amateur Theatrical Society perform “ 9 to 5 “, a musical with lyrics and music by the fabulous Dolly Parton and based on the 20th Century Fox movie of the same title.

This has to be one of C.A.T.S best productions to date and under the superb direction of Mark Walker the audience was treated to a fantastic evening! It had great pace, was hilariously funny and was as close to professional as an amateur production could be. The music under the direction of Barbara Hockey was again first class and with ten talented musicians the company had excellent backing throughout the show. The choreography by Sheena Forster was stunning, imaginative and full of energy.

The casting was excellent with some brilliant performances. The three leading ladies were awesome. Susie Pack as Violet Newstead, Katie-Rose Parker as Judy Bernly and Becky Grudgings as Doralee Rhodes gave it their all with some breath-taking vocals from all three. Well done ladies! Samantha Hammonds as Roz Keith was excellent too - her office strip scene was one of the comedy highlights of the show. Kev Aitken gave my favourite performance of the evening as the lecherous Franklin Hart JR;. he was hilariously funny and his comic timing was perfect. A highly commendable performance came from Daniel Fortune as Joe. And a hilarious cameo performance from Janis Young as Margaret the office lush! And very good supporting role performances from Jack Jenkins as Josh, Kerrylee Louise Chalmers as Kathy, Duncan Balcon as Dwane, Janet Askew as Miss Hart, Kev Maltby as Dick, Carl Turner-Fountain as Bob Ernwright, Loretta Padgett as Maria, Terry Mun Kee West as Russell Tinsworthy, Belinda Taylor as Candy Stripper and Alice Louch as New Employee. There was excellent support too from the ensemble who worked incredibly hard throughout the show. Well done to each and every one of this impressive company.

The set for this production was very good indeed and the hard working stage crew ensured very slick scene changing throughout the performance. The projected image of Dolly Parton in the clock face giving narration at the beginning and end of the show was a lovely touch. The costumes were all very good and in keeping with the period and good well-made props too. The lighting and sound quality was very good throughout - just a couple of slight hiccups with the sound but these did little to detract.

Congratulations to everyone both on and off the stage for this exceptional musical. It was hilariously funny, fast-paced and a real audience pleaser.

 

CAROLINE JERVIS                                                                                                                                     NODA EAST MIDLANDS DISTRICT 7 REPRESENTATIVE.  

 

 

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