9 to 5 The Musical

With lyrics and music written by Dolly Parton from a book by Patricia Resnick, based on the screenplay by Resnick and Colin Higgins, “9 to 5” is a challenging fast paced musical based on the 1980 movie of the same name. The show is a mix of feminist indignation, raucous good humour and some genuinely touching moments, it also has an eclectic mix of great musical numbers and this production from Rainhill Musical Theatre Company had everything required for a successfull show. Well done must go to the Director Pamela Foy, Set Designer Les Dagnall, the Set Builders and all the Stage Crew who managed to develop a plan for staging this production within the limits of the venue and along with technical input (which included the voice of Dolly Parton) produced an excellent platform and environment for the cast to work on. The cast included three very talented ladies in the principle roles of three female co-workers driven into devising a plan to get even with their sexist, lying, bigot of a boss Franklin J Hart who finally receives his comeuppance, with very funny consequences, they were Pip Bradshaw as the passed over for promotion Violet Newstead, Sarah Johnson as Executive Assistant and sexually harassed Doralee Rhodes and Michelle Williams as the recently divorced, new employee Judy Bernly. All three produced very good characterisations, worked very well together and gave good strong performances which is a necessity for the success of this show.  Brian Tubbs as their boss Franklin J Hart was suitably sleazy and chauvinistic also producing a strong performance, and Sally Adamson as Roz Keith, Hart’s Personal Assistant and office mole who also nurtures a secret passion for Hart, produced a great comedic characterisation performing the song “Heart to Heart” very well. Dru Fitzgerald-Grindley as Joe, was convincing as Violets love interest he also has a very nice singing voice. Other enjoyable performances were from Ruth Gibb as Margaret the office drunk who had some lovely comic moments, Sam Troke as Dwayne Doralee’s husband and Paul-James Green as Josh, Violets son. The actors in smaller supporting roles performed well producing some amusing characters and the ensemble also appeared to be enjoying themselves performing with lots of energy and enthusiasm and supporting the principle cast very well. By the end of the show the three women have given their workplace a makeover which goes. down very well with the chairman of the company Tinsworthy (a nice little cameo performance from Keith Marsh), and they are offered control of the company.

Just some constructive points I am not sure if there was a problem with the microphones as the sound appeared to diminish at the front of the auditorium during the musical numbers although I was told it was louder at the back and one microphone appeared to stop working for some time, also personally I wasn’t sure if the extra people were needed onstage during two of the big solo numbers as I felt it was a little distracting from the soloist excellent renditions of the songs. However well done to the cast members as their diction, projection and clarity of dialogue was very good even without a microphone enabling the audience to follow the story which is very important in any production but, especially in a relatively new musical where the story is not as well known. American accents were spot on and maintained throughout as were the characterizations, as no one appeared to drop out of character

The Orchestra led by Musical Director Wayne Oakes played this very upbeat music excellently supporting the cast very well. Choreography by Sam Moores and Claire Jones appeared just enough and right for this type of production, and costumes were also just right for the characters and the era and along with the music and the choreography added to the success of the show.

Congratulations to Director Pamela Foy and to everyone involved in this production for an excellent energetic show. Thank you for inviting us we had a lovely evening.
 

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