9 to 5: The musical

Thank you for your kind invitation to report on your recent production of ‘9 to 5’, the musical using the songs of Dolly Parton together with the story from the book by Patricia Resnick.  This show combines some lively music and songs combined with interesting characters and dramatic twists to the storyline. In this performance we were treated to a very well-planned production with slick scene changes, good live music and energetic singing. 

The set was most ingenious, with trucks for several section of the scenery that were well designed and efficiently moved, such as the folding out of the office set. The mid stage curtain was used to very good effect, for changing scenes out of sight. There was also a film sequence projected on the backwall which was very good.  The office desks that came on and off stage quite often were well organised and all the cast were involved in this part of the show. Just a few times there were slightly longer changes that gave a slight hiccup to the smooth running of the show. The backdrop of white brick walls was most effective, while the storage of the scenery trucks either side of the acting area made the changes easy. 

The music, played by a live orchestra, was most effective as the timing and volume were well controlled. This helped give a real energy to the dancers and singers. There were a few small problems with the sound, but overall the balance was good; just once or twice the singers were rather drowned by the music. The singing was energetic and characterful while the choreography was creative and well performed.  The lighting was unobtrusive and very effective in adding to the atmosphere of the show. 

The choreography in the production was excellent, with a wide variety of movements and styles included, especially in the office scenes and the tap dance. Costumes were good, with enough hints at USA without being overdone. Accents were good, too, and delivery of the script was well performed.  If I had one suggestion, it would be to get even more into the characters being played and to fill any pauses with action of some kind.  A few times the body language was not quite in sync with the script or the song, and the characterisation could have been even stronger in places.  However, the cast worked very well together and supported each other throughout the show; the dream sequence and Roz’s song were amazing and the acting out of a train arriving in town was very well done.

The main characters:

Violet:  portrayed as kind, efficient and capable.   Her body-language was good, clearly showing frustration when robbed of promotion and jubilation when her talents were recognised, though she could perhaps have found more strength in the part.  Well sung and danced, with nice touches of humour.

Doralee:  portrayed as warm-hearted, friendly and true-to-herself when resisting Hart’s lecherous advances, but perhaps she could have been even more brash in depicting this character’s larger-than-life personality.  An enjoyable performance with distinctive country-and-western singing and much humour.

Judy:  a good portrayal of a nervous and oppressed new employee gradually becoming self-assertive and with a more positive attitude to life.  An entertaining performance with good singing and dancing, particularly in the humorous fantasy scenes.

Hart:  well portrayed as an intolerant, chauvinistic philanderer, demeaning his female employees with pointless petty rules, while considering himself to be irresistible to women.  However, he could, perhaps, have been slightly more lewd when attempting to seduce Doralee.  Excellent facial expression clearly depicted conceited self-importance and then sheer amazement when imprisoned.  Very well sung.

Roz: excellently portrayed as Hart’s domineering assistant, secretly in love with her boss and determined to get her man.  Her suggestive body-language and facial expressions made her song “Heart to Hart” hilariously funny.  An outstanding performance showing great comedic talent.  

Joe:  well portrayed as a quiet and reserved character with an inner core of strength.  His wry humour was perfectly delivered.  A most believable depiction.

Dwayne:  well portrayed as a caring and considerate husband to Doralee.  The good interaction between them made this a believable marriage partnership.

This was a highly enjoyable production of a light-hearted show with a twist.  A touch more energy, zest and high jinks and this would have been an outstanding evening of entertainment.  I feel that we sometimes need to remind ourselves that we are ‘playing’: the cast having fun will communicate to the audience very clearly and enhance their enjoyment.  Congratulations on a very slick and entertaining show!

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