9 to 5, the Musical

 

I was delighted to be invited to the iconic Dolly Parton musical performed by Dronfield MTG, a follow on from the 80’s film telling the story of three ladies and their fight for equality within the office and to correct the way they were treated and looked upon by their very un P C boss at the time. 

This fast moving musical requires strong actors who can deliver their director’s vision along with an efficient backstage team to keep the many scene changes as seamless as possible. Opening to an open stage area with a small stage extension front right giving maximum room for actors within the main office and dream scene sections, reducing cleverly for Hart’s office and home bedroom scenes.

On entering the theatre I was surprised to see no orchestra but instead computers set up ready to provide backing tracks and whilst initially apprehensive this worked very well. Orchestras are sometimes too loud but this alternative was well balanced allowing the performers to be heard throughout. The production had clearly been thoroughly thought out and directed by Mark Cunningham providing the multi-talentedcast the tools to perform top a high standard. The dances and shaping of the many ensemble numbers performed throughout by the whole cast extremely well and thanks must go to Andrea Powell again for her vision and many years of experience. The songs under the watchful direction of your MD Judith Haywood were not only sung beautifully but acted out to the highest order. This musical requires powerful performers to undertake the main roles and you had this in abundance. The formidable team of Violet Newstead performed by Cara Chester, Doralee Rhodes performed by Rachel Cooper Bassett and Judy Bernly performed by Ellie Ashmore were the instigators of change and all performed to the highest order. These three ladies acted sang and complemented each other beautifully. The many scenes when all involved including times in the general office, in Hart’s office and in Violet’s living room were well directed and performed wonderfully. Their solos along with group numbers were performed with clarity and acted out really well. The dream scenes along with the excellent ensemble were a joy to watch as they plotted the many demises of Hart. 

Franklin Hart Jnr by Mark Cunningham , in the words used in the production and programme, the sexist, egotistical, lying ,  hypercritical bigot of a boss played the part totally convincingly with great character acting ,quality singing and plenty of visual asides .The holier than thou attitude whilst playing the game with the ladies of the office, portrayed the true weasel his part depicted. Great performance. Roz Keith played by Louise Humpage, forever after winning Hart, excellent delivery of Heart to Hart along with seven ladies dancing the number,. Strong singing and character acting throughout with the confidence to flaunt seductive clothing .Well done . Finally, being banished to a French business language school and returning very Parisian. Joe the office junior accountant played by Benjamin Patterson. Totally besotted with Violet, trying anything to encourage a relationship between them , some memorable and comedic scenes convincingly performed. Dick performed by Gavin Ward, the romancer and ex of Judy Bernly until he realizes itsnot always greener on the other side resulting in trying to win her back, without success. His stage name being pointedly used by Judy Bernly on a number of occasions. Margaret by Lindsay Ashmore ,lovely character part prone to a tipple or three, great interactions during the office scenes and occasional appear disappear moments. Dwayne by Albert Cash performed some lovely cameo scenes whilst supporting and encouraging his wife, Doralee as she along with Judy and Violet plotted to overcome Hart. Josh played by Charlie Betts gave a convincing performance particularly whilst encouraging Violet, his Mum,  to go out and enjoy life , along with providing a happy cigarette enjoyed by the ladies in Violets living room. Missy played by Sophie Robinson ,Hart’s downtrodden wife, desperate to get him to take her away whilst totally realizing what a rat he is, some memorable cameo scenes whilst being totally aware that he continuously flirted with many others. There were a number of various small roles taken and performed very well and whilst not being mentioned by name were no less important to the success of the show. The whole ensemble and younger members worked well together performing some excellent dancing and movement. There were so many memorable songs to enjoy and tap your toes to, many scenes of note as the story unfolded, along with the standout final epic speech by Violet. Well done to you all.

Credit must go to the backstage team who undertook the many scene changes swiftly and efficiently.

The costumes were well chosen to suit the period along with an array of time appropriate stage props. The lighting and projections added real meaning and mood to the musical. 

To summarize a great evening of quality theatre, directed and performed really well and sending your audience home humming the well-known 9 to 5.

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