9 to 5 - The Musical

9 to 5 the Musical- is a modern show based on the 1980 movie of the same name by Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick.  The song, 9 to 5, from the hit show put Dolly Parton in the spotlight as a contributor to the feminist cause.  The characterisations highlight the various states of women - single mother, bullied wife, career woman – more importantly the vital role of women in the corporate structure of America, albeit invisible & unacknowledged. The three main female characters turn the tables on their sexist boss. An outrageous but thought-provoking plot involving the abduction and imprisonment of the boss, Franklin Hart Jr. in his own home.  The music and lyrics were added 25 years after the original movie with the musical first being produced in Broadway during 2009.

The programme for the show was very creative with some very interesting graphics decorating the pages.  It was well designed and contained all the information needed with interesting pen pictures together with photographs.  Good to see advertising for other societies as well as future productions for FAOS.

The scenery had been well thought out and gave the cast a good platform to perform upon.  All the effects and scene changes worked well.  Great care had been taken with the wardrobe, makeup, wigs and accessories which together made a great effect.

The evening was very entertaining from beginning to end and time seemed to fly by.  The director is to be congratulated on developing all the characters so well at the same time creating a cohesive cast.  Each and every member of the ‘office’ created their own persona and it was easy to identify all the various types who go to make up any office.  Hart, played by George Murray, maintained his character throughout and was very sexist and egotistical - just right!  Doralee, The Dolly Parton character, was so well played by Amanda Buchan, whose enthusiasm for the role seemed to spread to everyone else. Each and every principal had studied their role in depth and the consequence was such a believable group of characters that got one totally involved in the plot.  Each of the musical numbers was delivered with great exuberance and vitality which, combined with what looked like effortless choreography, all served to lift everyone’s spirits.  Special mention should be made of the crew for the slick way in which they “whizzed” desks and furniture on and off stage.

The cast showed great enthusiasm throughout the show and at the end the buzz of enjoyment from the audience was palpable throughout the theatre. – the end result was high quality entertainment. FAOs should be truly proud of this production.

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