9 to 5 the Musical

The society’s loyal audience was really ready for this performance before the opening – they must have known something!  It was, quite simply, a magnificent production by Alex Weatherhill.  There was an ingeniously worked out set constructed of canvas on frames which were easily moved throughout by the cast – all of them will have moved at least something.  There was limited amount of furniture, good lighting, costumes well in keeping with the 1970’s setting, a great band and Dolly Parton herself would have been very proud of it.

The three leading ladies (make that four) were outstanding so I will not attempt to single anyone of them out, safe to say that they all worked extremely hard.  The energy in the performance was wonderful and you couldn’t fail to be pulled along by it.

Georgie Samuels played Violet Newstead and she has a powerful presence on stage, acting, singing and moving well. Katie Doubtfire, making her debut with the society I understand, was an excellent Doralee Rhodes and you could really feel the influence of the author’s character in her performance.  Tilly Jackson, who portrayed Judy Bernly, never fails to impress me and here she was again in top form singing and moving delightfully.  Together, these three made up a formidable team which many societies would love to have.

However, not to be outdone, Amanda Bond was a really strong Roz Keith, the secretary who fantasises about her boss.  Her rendition of 5 to 9 was really powerful and much appreciated by the audience.

Experienced Jonathan Jeeves played the repulsive Franklin Hart Jr., President of the company and brought all his powerful acting and singing skills to his performance.

Within a society which has strength in numbers Michael Seals-Law played office worker Joe and what a super voice he has.  He rather likes Violet and in his duet with her, ‘Let Love Grow’, it was really to the fore.

The small parts were well performed and many of the chorus were positioned on the raised areas front stage right and left, to good effect, and they were regularly brought into the main action as required.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this friendly society thoroughly enjoyed doing this show and they were well rewarded by a vocal audience.

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