9 to 5
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Based on the Twentieth Century Fox Film
Directed by Ally Beans
Music Directed by Molly Robinson
Choreographed by Kelsey Jordan Ward
Stage Manager Pamela Anglero
Scenic Design and Build by Logan Uhtenwoldt and Maggie Sproul
Costume Design by Dayna Duttton
Sound Design by McKenzie Graham
Lighting Design by Destini Spraggins
Asst Stage Manager Micah B Hardt
My thoughts on 9 to 5 or…climbing the corporate ladder in heels.
The Firehouse Theatre is continuing the tradition of having a member or both members of the talented Beans family (in this case Ally) work their gift for turning Broadway clunkers into big time hits for the Firehouse. I saw 9 to 5 with the original cast and can testify that this version is easily ten times the fun even without Allison Janney, Megan Hilty, and a live orchestra. Those Beans must be magic. Sorry, I couldn’t resist an Into the Woods reference.
No need to go into the plot here as almost everyone has seen the classic 1980 film starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton as they comically struggle with the corporate world of 1979 and especially their boss Franklin Hart. The chemistry between the actors who play Judy Bernly, Doralee Rhodes, and Violet Newstead has to be there, and this production has it in abundance.
Molly Robinson, who also has everyone sounding great as music director, is a terrific Judy Bernly, transitioning from awkward and timid to self-assured with the help of her office sisters. Robinson’s solo “Get Out and Stay Out” showing Judy’s newfound confidence is dynamite. Robinson makes Judy’s journey touching and a joy to follow.
Caitlin Martelle, in a role she was born to play, brings Southern charm and so much more to Doralee Rhodes. Martelle, wearing tight knits and looking era proper in Dayna Dutton’s costumes, is pure charm as the sexy, feisty, and loveable Doralee. Martelle’s lament “Backwoods Barbie” which reveals Doralee’s background and challenges, is one of the highlights of the show. I’m certain Martelle’s performance would get the Dolly Parton seal of approval.
I have one question for Rikki Sushaun who plays Violet Newstead. Why have I not seen you before now? Sushaun as the oppressed, downtrodden, longtime company employee Newstead is the soul of 9 to 5.and Sushaun shines so brightly in the role that you may want to retrieve those ecllipse glasses. Sushaun is sincere, funny, and endearing as Newstead. Her scenes with Joe, the younger man who is smitten with Violet, played with convincing ardency by the gifted Lucas Haupert, are heartfelt and genuine. Sushaun is the total package of acting and singing talent. Brava.
And another brava goes out to Lizette Sandoval Perez as the hot for Hart Roz Keith. Perez is a comic wonder as she lusts after her boss. Perez’s Roz is disliked intensely by the women in the company for her snitching and obsessiveness., but these same traits make her laugh out loud funny. What a gem Perez is in this role and can she ever deliver a song!
Amy Parsons is hysterical in the featured role of Margaret, the office lush constantly slurring her encouraging “Atta girl!” to her office mates. Also featured are Meghan MacLellan as Missy Hart, Krystal Rodriguez as Maria Delgado, Grace Harmon as Kathy, and Angel Frando rounds out the spirited female ensemble.
As the “villain” of 9 to 5, Preston Isham brings all the smarmy, sexist horniness the role of Franklin Hart requires. Isham is the youngest Hart, I’ve ever seen in the role, but that makes him all the creepier, a dirty young man if you will. Isham’s solo “Here for You” as he tries to seduce Doralee reveals all you need to know about Hart. He’s the guy you love to hate, and it is great fun to watch Isham interact with Martelle’s Doralee as they are married in real life.
Aside from the aforementioned Lucas Haupert, the other male roles include Garrett Holton as Dwayne the charming and devoted husband of Doralee, Braylen Nelson as Violet’s teenage son Josh, Tucker Souther as Judy’s appropriately named husband Dick Bernly, Efren Paredes as Hart sycophant Bob Enright, Micah B Hardt as the chairman of the board Tinsworthy, a sort of deus ex machina who provides a happy ending, and Evan Taiclet completes the male ensemble.
Evan Taiclet and Megan MacLellan are also cleverly featured as part of Kelsey Jordan Ward’s lively choreography. Ward has Taiclet and MacLellan meet and dance seductively during scene changes which is a very clever bit that keeps the audience engaged while the stage is reset.
Director Beans makes 9 to 5 a wonderfully entertaining evening of theater and the audience was on its feet the moment the show ended. There’s always something so satisfying when the good guys win. Oops, I mean when the good women win.
*The Firehouse Theatre is offering some great show themed cocktails and mocktails before the show and at intermission. I heartily endorse the “Cup of Ambition” cocktail. I think it made Act 2 even better.
