9 to 5 the Musical

Thank you for your kind invitation to report on your recent production of “9 to 5”, a lively show that requires good music, acting and dancing to create the believable relationship within the office.  The stage set was very creative, with lovely detail in Hart’s office to one side, Violet’s home the other, and the main office and the Hart residence area centre stage.  This made for fast and seamless changes in the acting space that gave good pace to the whole show. Together with very well planned and executed scene adjustments, such as the bringing on of the bed, this pace was sustained throughout the production, adding to the energy and vibrancy of the performance.  The scenes where the three ladies plan how they would get rid of their boss, Mr Hart, were very well done.

The music was excellent, played live by a small band led from the keyboard to very good effect, both supporting the singers and creating a 1970s period Texan country atmosphere. The recreation of Dolly Parton’s backing tracks was very well done. The sound effects and lighting changes were very well done, and well timed. The costumes and wigs were splendid! For example, Doralee’s blonde wig, skimpy dresses and revealing tops were just right, while Roz’s rather frumpy look until she went on her French course helped in creating her office spy character.   The white braces on the black shirts looked fantastic!  

However, it was the cast that brought this production to life, with everyone contributing to the overall level of energy and teamwork.  The characterisations were excellent, and the Texan drawls sounded authentic, especially for Doralee.  The dance routines were very well devised and performed, with good body language and timing of movement.  The tap dance in particular was energetic and rhythmical and the way that the characters all had individual ways of moving was remarkable.  A few comments on the leading cast members are included below, but please note that everyone was crucial to the production and contributed energy and individuality that gave the show its authentic feel.  Congratulations!

Doralee was very well portrayed as a warm-hearted, friendly, sexy- looking secretary who resists Hart’s unwelcome advances as she is not that “kind of girl.”   She is clearly shown to be resourceful and quick thinking and an asset while helping to run the company.  An excellent performance with distinctive country and western style singing and lively, energetic dancing together with a great deal of humour.  A great stage presence. 

Violet gave a strong performance of energy and verve, enthusiastic dancing and belting singing.   Violet’s sassy, bright efficient character is clearly depicted by body-language and dramatic technique, from her thwarted ambition at the start, through fear at Hart’s possible murder to her reward of being made CEO.  An excellent portrayal with a good comedic approach.

Judy showed excellent body-language, facial expression and attitude, making this a great portrayal of a down-trodden, recently divorced, new employee whose personality develops through the plot to become confident and with self-belief.  Her friends in Consolidated have given her “Backbone.”  A performance full of energy and humour with lively dancing and forceful singing.

Excellently depicted as Hart’s much disliked assistant, Roz suffers unrequited love for her boss.  Hilarious body-language makes her song “Heart to Hart” outstandingly funny and shows her boisterous determination to catch her man.  A fine portrayal by a natural comedienne.

As president of Consolidated Industries, Hart uses his position to browbeat his workforce.  Excellently portrayed as a chauvinistic womaniser with an intolerant sexist attitude, his body-language and acting techniques perfectly express arrogance and conceit, followed by amazed anger when kidnapped.  Vocally strong, especially in his song “Here for you”; it was bawdy and suggestive, and the audience loved the humour.

The cast were thoroughly enjoying themselves onstage and that enjoyment spread to the audience, making a really good atmosphere in the theatre.  The obvious expression of fellow feeling by many women in the audience for the events portrayed showed just how relevant this show still is!

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