9 to 5 the Musical

"9 to 5: The Musical" performed by Alyth Musical Society was an absolute delight from start to finish. The cast brought vivacity and charm to the stage and gave cohesive performances. Each actor portrayed their character with depth and enthusiasm, drawing the audience into the world of office politics and female empowerment. With the number of scene changes in quick succession, particularly in the first act, the ensemble took on the moving of set and they rose to the task admirably.

Bravo to the three female leads, Violet, played by Claire Mallinson, a single mum far more capable than her boss and overlooked for promotion every time, a versatile actress she delivered a convincing performance, great characterisation and flawless delivery of her musical numbers.

Judy, played by Claire Rioch was compelling and managed to capture the two sides of her character excellently.

Doralee played by Donna Reilly embodied the character and delivered all her songs with the passion they warranted. "Backwoods Barbie" was one of my favourite moments.

Together the ladies were all superb. Embracing the differences of three totally different characters in each of their performances. There was a great rapport between them. Musical numbers ‘I Just Might’, and ‘Shine Like The Sun’, sung by all three were outstanding. Very well done.

Sean O’Rourke as Franklin Hart Jr was every inch the chauvinist boss portraying the character in all his facial expressions and lewd postures, maintaining throughout the right amount of loathing felt by the audience.

Darren Gill played Joe, the awkward toyboy in love with Violet and was fully committed to this part and I really enjoyed Darren and Claire’s rendition of "Let Love Grow" seeing a new mature confidence in his performance.                  

Elaine Murray was highly entertaining as the only woman with any time for her sexist boss. She was totally committed to the character and her delivery and performance of ‘Heart to Hart’ was confident, powerful, and comedic all at the same time.

The 14 strong ensemble had well defined characters and at some point, all had their comedy moments. Lynn Muir, Sarah Beck, Rhiona Sidley alongside James Dobie, well suited as Doralee’s supportive husband Dwayne. Katie Robinson had some great lines as the ‘secret’ office drinker Margaret. Drew Knox showed off his style as Dick/Tinsworthy. Louis McGregor as Violet’s son, Josh. Steph Mackie as Maria. Glenda Kean as Missy/Candy Striper. Sonny Hunter-Franks as Kathy. Isabel McCurdy as the Detective. Reuben Smith as Bob and Peter Robertson as the Doctor.

Though not a big dance number show the choreography from Jenni Main, who also took to the stage in the ensemble, was well staged and synchronized, adding an extra layer of energy to the production. The dream sequence was a surprise and very funny. The vocal performances were impressive, with powerful solos and harmonies throughout, credit to Billy Muir as Musical Director.

Lighting and sound were very well executed. Costumes were very much in keeping with the era of the show, even with the dodgy wigs - was our hair really that bad in those days.

The show is oddly liberating and has the feel-good factor.

Overall, Alyth Amateur Musical Society's rendition of "9 to 5: The Musical" was a triumph, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and uplifted

Thank you for the invite.

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