9 to 5 the Musical

Reviewing my first show as a NODA representative for my beautiful area felt like a daunting task, but on a wet and cold Wednesday evening it was the brilliant chance to be transported across the Atlantic Ocean.

“9 to 5 The Musical” is based on the 1980s film, with some of Dolly Parton’s new original songs made just for the musical. It was a toe-tapping and entertaining show from the alarm ringing start to the justice filled ending. The show follows the story of three dedicated women workers (Violet Newstead, Doralee Rhodes and Judy Bernly) who have had enough of their ‘sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigot’ of a boss and decide to dream about what life would be like without Franklin Hart Jr.

 I was lucky enough to come to one of their rehearsals a few months ago and was treated to seeing them practicing vocals and choreography for one of their many company numbers. ‘Change It’ is a big company number about having the power and belief that if you are unhappy with something we all have the power to change our own situation. I thought that it was performed good back in rehearsals but in the couple of months they have taken everything to the next level.

Firstly, well done needs to go to the creative team for creating a welcoming, practical and detailed set which was used creatively throughout the show. The set provided background to the huge range of locations in the show, the use of key parts of the set helped to set each scene further which were moved from scene to scene with great speed and professionalism from the cast and stage crew. The incredible lighting also helped to show changes in location as well as matching the mood and tone of each scene and song perfectly. The brilliant costumes were constantly changing and were as equally ambitious as they were stunning to look at! A huge congratulations needs to be given to Steph Dring who after being a member of North Ormesby Minstrels for 25 years this has been her first directing role with the company and what a way to start! The direction, performance and overall vision of the production was clear and very well received by a loving audience. I hope to see more of her work in the future.

Being both musical director and conductor, Matthew Allan once again took the difficult mix of songs and singing styles needed for the show and sculpted the performer’s voices to match the needs of this very challenging musical. This being his 13th show with the company, but certainly not an unlucky one! The band and performers worked in sync which is a difficult task without the added challenge of conducting from behind the stage. Unable to see the performers and the performers see him meant that everyone needed to be completely aware of the show which they all did with huge professionalism.

The creative team topped off by two brilliant choreographers in Katie Allen and Hannah Burn, both have been members since a young age and are both also fantastic performers as they appeared throughout the production. Their mix of more complex dance steps supported by a solid supporting dance troop meant there was movement available for all levels of dancer. The choreography was meaningful and well executed with brilliant lifts and moments of standout quality, one move being the incredible shoulder lift on one of the leading ladies played by Scarlet McBride who was graciously lifted from standing up onto the shoulder of performer Ed Cook-Smith before being spun and set back down with elegance.

 I want to start by highlighting some of the many supporting roles which helped fill the office and give the world some depth. Firstly, I must mention Paul Mason who took the role of the aforementioned boss of the office with confidence and the outright audacity we needed from his character. The performance in his song ‘Here for You’ was the perfect introduction to Paul’s comedic and outrageous character, who all the audience wanted out of the office. Mike Dignen was another brilliant performance as he took the role of shy and caring Joe, he performed with brilliant physicality to give us a gentle and loving character to root for throughout the show. Mike performed his song ‘Let Love Grow’ with lovely tonality and performance. Last but certainly not least is the french speaking, passionate, loving and entertaining Marie Turnbull who played the office’s snitch and unrequited lover of boss Mr. Hart. She embodied the role of Roz Keith brilliantly and had the audience on her side during her song ‘Heart to Hart’, this performance of undying dedication was clear and performed so well!

Onto the leading ladies and what an incredible trio of talent we had available to watch in this show! Hannah Burn was not only creating choreography, but Hannah also played the ‘new’ girl to the office Judy with innocence, determination and a hopeful outlook. The ‘Dance of Death’ number was a fantastic showcase of Hannah’s performance talents, belting notes with ease and high kicking as if it was nothing. This humorous performance would take a turn in the emotional number ‘Get Out and Stay Out’ as she moved the audience and provided a fantastic turning point in the character’s development, proving to herself that she doesn’t need any man.

The young spitfire of the office Doralee was played by Katie Shepherd, determined to prove women are more than just looks, she played the role with strength and determination throughout. Her performance in ‘Backwards Barbie’ was played with a touching and genuine side. Katie was able to show the audience the real vulnerable side of Doralee in brilliant contrast to her rodeo dancing ‘Cowgirl’s Revenge’ story. She danced and had the audience toe-tapping along with her.

The final member of the trio was Violet Newstead, the head secretary and Mr. Hart’s administrative assistant. Scarlet McBride played the strong willed, ambitious single mother with all the right tones. She played a strong, brave, supportive role whilst balancing a nurturing and sensitive side. Scarlet’s singing throughout the show was spot on and with a very impressive range in tonality, going from a heroic Disney Princess to an even more legendary single parent.

With an age spread of 11-76, the supporting cast members were involved with a lot of numbers throughout the show, ranging from rodeo members to devil backing dancers. Mya Roberts was one standout member; her constant high energy and expressive performance caught my attention on multiple occasions. Ed Cook-Smith was also a brilliant reoccurring presence, Ed starred as Doralee's partner Dwayne. As well as playing Dwayne throughout he also featured as an office worker, backing singer, backing dancer and key lifter in the dance numbers. Gita Bhanvra played the comic office drinker role with perfect comedic timing and appropriate humour for the different scenes. Incredible supporting dance and singing support by versatile dance troop members Laura Allan, Lucy Allan, Poppy Short and others helped top off a fantastic company. To conclude, each one of the cast gave an engaged and committed performance throughout the ups and downs of this fun and bizarre story. Although Dolly Parton makes a guest appearance, I am afraid to say that she was outshone by the performers on the stage, sorry Dolly.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.