The Chemainus Theatre FestivalB次元官网网址檚 summer musical 9 to 5 drew the biggest opening night audience that weB次元官网网址檝e seen there since 2020 and itB次元官网网址檚 likely a sign of things to come as word of mouth spreads about this top notch production.
By intermission the near-capacity crowd was almost already on their feet in a standing ovation, and the cast could easily have performed another encore at the end as nobody was anxious to head to the door, instead happily wallowing in the upbeat atmosphere and showing their appreciation for what was easily one of the theatreB次元官网网址檚 best summer musical offerings in years.
The show is based on the book by Patricia Resnick and the hit film, with music and lyrics by the beloved Dolly Parton. There were big shoes to fill, but the theatre more than rose to the occasion with this hilariously witty script and astonishingly talented cast.
The basic story is pretty well known: a group of women toil away as secretaries for a misogynist boss in the 1980s corporate jungle. They get fed up with CEO Franklin Hart Jr. (W. Joseph Matheson), who is the epitome of everything wrong with the old boys club, and kidnap him and plot their revenge.
Everything about this show works. The music is catchy and fun, with showstopping numbers for each member of the main cast that had the audience laughing and cheering. The choreography and dancing lends a bit of a Broadway feel. The set, which looks quite plain in the beginning is actually a very clever chameleon. The script is fast-paced and left the audience laughing out loud.
And the cast is chalk full of great voices and comedic timing that make even the villains a delight to watch.
Stephanie Roth plays Violet B次元官网网址tead, the leader of the trio of women who go rogue, and she is wonderful, with just the right understated sarcasm and strength.
Jennie Neumann shines as Doralee Rhodes, whom Hart sexually harrasses without shame. SheB次元官网网址檚 the iron fist in the velvet glove, bubbly and irrepressable, but also vulnerable and tough.
Sarah Carl茅 Owen is Judy Bernly, the newcomer whoB次元官网网址檚 been forced into the rat race after her husband cheated on and left her for his own secretary. She starts out shy and uncertain, but finds her strength as the plot progresses.
Ali Watson as Roz, HartB次元官网网址檚 assistant who spies and reports on the rest of the office to prove her devotion to him, delivers one of the best musical numbers of the show with B次元官网网址楬eart to HartB次元官网网址�. It is a phenomenal performance that will leave you in stitches B次元官网网址� a true standout in a show filled with great performances.
Carl茅 OwenB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址楧ance of DeathB次元官网网址� is another standout musical number.
And of course B次元官网网址�9 to 5B次元官网网址� is iconic for a reason.
The showB次元官网网址檚 not just froth, however.
The themes of what women can face in the workplace are just as relevant today as they were when this story was first written. And the choice to deliver them as a comedy is brilliant. It certainly makes the absurdity apparent in a way thatB次元官网网址檚 still fun for everyone, which can sometimes be the best way to make a serious point.
Expert direction by Julie Tomaino keeps the show moving at a brisk clip, just part of the slick, professional, production that includes everything from costumes to lighting, sound and sets.
If youB次元官网网址檙e interested in seeing 9 to 5 The Musical, and you should be, you should book your tickets as soon as possible, as some dates are already selling out. Get them at chemainustheatre.ca or call the box office at 1-800-565-7738. The show runs until Aug. 25.
