9 to 5 - The Musical

Patricia Resnick wrote the book and Dolly Parton wrote the music and lyrics for the musical 9 to 5, which is based on the 1980 movie of the same name. With themes that are regrettably still all too relevant today, the show features some amazing musical numbers and tells the story of three office workers who are pushed to the limit by their "Sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" boss Franklin Hart and decide to take matters into their own hands. Dolly Parton herself set the stage via projections and led into the opening number 9 to 5 introducing us to the three primary characters.

First time director Ben Lea did an admirable job leading the group, his set consisted of a series of movable flats at the rear of the stage. These were pivoted or opened/folded on stage to quickly transform scenes, with set furniture cleanly moved on and off by the cast or crew all in office attire. This worked well generally, but in scene 14, when Hart was tied up in his office,  the crew came on and removed the set furniture whilst the scene was still running and I felt this maybe should have happened a little later at the end of the scene, as I was a little distracted by the thought that surely they could have rescued him?

The musical direction by Angus Sheppard-Hughes and the accompanying 9-piece band supported the performances well, with the balance between principals and band very good throughout. I felt there were moments where the ensemble could have done with a bit more amplification or maybe needed to project a bit more as we lost some of the gorgeous harmonies written in these songs.

Choreography by Kiera Rossiter was very well thought out demonstrating lots of different styles and pitched well to all abilities.

The lighting was good throughout, with some lovely effects. The follow spot at times missed its mark though not sure if that was down to the actors or operator. Smoke effects were used, although there were moments, I struggled to understand why in some of the scenes.

There were some initial blips with the radio microphones on the night I was there, which seemed to resolve quickly. and the sound worked well overall.

Costume and make up was in keeping with the 80’s era with some really well thought out and nice touches.

Violet Newstead, Doralee Rhodes and Judy Bernly led the company with confident performances and some lovely vocals, you all expressed your frustrations very well and I really liked how the relationship between the three of you developed throughout. Franklin Hart Jr - you were very unpleasant, as this role requires, making the most out of those sleazy lines.  Roz Keith brought out the comic elements of this character well. Joe - a charming performance, your duet with Violet was a highlight for me.

The ensemble all delivered an enthusiastic performance, all demonstrating a wonderful array of characters. I always get the sense that this group is truly a team, all supporting each other and its lovely to see.

Congratulations to all the Creative team, Cast and Crew.

 

                                                                                                                      PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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