9 to 5 the Musical

9 to 5 as many will know is a musical based on the 1980 film of the same name.   A relatively new 21st century show it premiered in Los Angeles in September 2008, and opened on Broadway in April 2009. It received 15 Drama Desk Award nominations, the most received by a production in a single year, as well as four Tony Awards nominations.

With a reputation for “The 20th Century Classics” 9 to 5 represents a significant change of pace for Mansfield Operatic Society, with its inherent financial risks in the beautiful Mansfield Palace Theatre with Covid still not a thing of the past. For me, this was a decision that really paid off and was certainly a well-directed, high energy, enthusiastic performance by Principals, Ensemble and Orchestra alike.

At the centre of 9 to 5 are the three key female leads and, in this respect as in many others, the Mansfield production was gifted with great three-dimensional performances from Carolyn Frith as Violet, Helen Mumby as Doralee, and Amy Shaw as Judy.  Carolyn managed to bring just the right portrayal of a highly competent Office Manager and single mother who motivates the “girls in the typing pool” seeing each member as an individual and who eventually sees her own value to the Company which allows her self-esteem to shine through.  Helen was perfect as Doralee bringing the generosity of spirit of a Southern Belle throughout while being as far from a caricature “Bimbo” as its possible to get much to Mr Hart’s surprise and humiliations.  Amy, who character has probably the largest arc in the show delivered a great balance of the vulnerability being recently separated after her husband had an affair and having to enter the world of work for the first time, coupled with the inner strength that stops her being a doormat as she grows in confidence and power through the show.

I have seen Sean Curtis in several past productions and he was as impressive as always and clearly revelled in the chance to go over-the-top, without over acting or scene steeling, as the misogynistic, Franklin Hart Jr. who soon realises that he has met his match in the office trio who fight back against his inappropriate power games.  Jo Dewberry was simply superb as Roz Keith throughout the show, and brought the house down with her full-on delivery of Heart to Hart, a hugely dynamic portrayal of unrequited lust through a lifetime of sexual frustration working alongside the object of her infatuation.   Jamie Savage was also on great form throughout the night both vocally and in his portrayal of the timid accountant Joe who provides the trio with the evidence they need to bring down Hart after his escape from his harness and suspension.

The remaining Principals and Ensemble all ensured that the overall production was high energy, had a great wall of sound and clarity of diction was always at the forefront.  So congratulations to Grace JJ, Jake, Rebecca, Verity, Matthew, Lauren, Tineke, Jonathan, Wayne, Daniel, Steve, Clare Harris, Pam, Gemma Case, Ann, Pauline, Jan, Kirsty, Garry, Naomi, Jane, Emily, Gemma Strange, Chloe, Kay, Claire Thompson, Alexandra, Lisa, Anita, Ashleigh, and Sarah.

This is the first production I have seen Directed and Choreographed by Cassey Brough-Savage.  In both aspects Cassey had obviously spend a great deal of time ensuring her talented cast had worked on the attention to detail required without losing the fun that shone from the casts faces.  Roger Holland brough a great sound from the pit and his work on vocal performance and diction were apparent throughout the night in solo and chorus work alike.

The staging, lighting and costuming were all matched to the era and completed the production to great effect.  The sound balance between the band and on-stage singing was very well judged and the synchronisation between the Dolly Parton video inserts and full cast singing was well managed.  All in all a very enjoyable night at the theatre and a great move into 21st Century musicals.  Congratulations all and here’s to Kinky Boots in 2024.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.