9 to 5

9 to 5 is a Musical based on the1980 20th, Century Fox Motion picture of the same name and is from the book by Patricia Resnick and is also based on the screenplay by Resnick and Colin Higgins, with Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, it is a challenging fast paced musical and has been a big hit with its audiences. The show has a winning mix of feminist indignation, raucous good humour and some genuinely touching moments, it also has an eclectic mix of catchy musical numbers which are very much in the Dolly Paton style recognised by all.
Here BOS Musical Theatre Company met the challenge of performing this modern musical and succeeded in producing a full of life entertaining production. There was a strong Production Team of Director Paul Wilkinson, Musical Director Charles Moss and Choreographer Zoe Findlay, who along with the talented cast worked hard to reach the high standards expected from this company.
There were some nice characterisations with good singing and acting in this production, notably by the very talented ladies in the principle roles of the three female co-workers who are pushed over the edge by their sexist, lying, bigot of a boss and Chief Executive of Consolidated Industries, Franklin Hart Jnr who finally receives his comeuppance, when the three of them devise a plan to get even with him with very funny consequences. They were, Heather Lewis as the passed over for promotion Violet Newstead, and Hannah Johnson plays the recently separated,nervous inexperienced new employee Judy Bernly with Lauren Millar as Executive Assistant and sexually harassed Doralee Rhodes. These three talented actresses worked together and supported each other very well, carrying the show at just the right pace. Dom Tolley gave an outstanding strong all-round performance as their boss Franklin Hart Jnr, his performance of the song “I’m here for You” was very entertaining with just the right level of innuendo to make it very funny and not offensive and Michelle Hopwood as Roz Keith, Hart’s Personal Assistant who has a secret passion for him and is the office mole, produced a very nice comedic interpretation with good comic timing in her first principle role with BOS. There was also some very good performances in the supporting roles which included, Nick Lloyd who gave a sensitive performance as Joe, Violets love interest I really enjoyed his duet with Violet, “ Let Love Grow”. Matthew Higginson as Dwayne-Doralee’e husband, Lewis Christie as Josh- Violets son, Erin Bretherton as Missy and Maria, Harry Gascogne as Ken, Phil Power as Dick and Tinsworthy and there was a very entertaining comedic performance by Sian Woolley as Margaret the office drunk. The Ensemble supported the principal cast very well and both worked very well together producing a very strong, high-energy show. Diction, projection and clarity of words was good enabling the audience to follow the story easily, which was very important as this is a relatively new musical where the story is not as well known. American accents were spot on and were maintained throughout the performance as were characterizations.

 Choreography by Zoe Findlay was appropriate for the period and the show and was executed well by the cast. There was an excellent orchestra under the direction of experienced Musical Director, Charles Moss, helping to ensure that all cast members could give of their best.  
The scenery and props were effective and appropriate for the period and along with excellent technical input which included the appearance of Dolly Parton herself in filmed segments, projected on to the face of a giant clock which appeared at the front of the stage, made a superb platform and environment for the cast to work on. The backstage crew changed the scenes efficiently and silently, ensuring a very smooth running of the show. Also, the period   costumes, helped to recreate the 70’s which added to and aided in the success of this production.
Congratulations to all involved in this very energetic entertaining production, thank you very much for inviting us and making us so welcome, we had a lovely evening

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