Review: 9 to 5 The Musical, Milton Musical Society
WITH the unexpected appearance of Dolly Parton, albeit on film at the beginning and end of the show, Milton Musical Society's production of 9 to 5, The Musical went off very smoothly.
Based on the eponymous 1980 film, the film is an unsparing account of office culture in New York in the late 1970s, appalling sexism and all. However three women working in the office decide to rebel against their sleazy boss and take matters into their own hands.
Ellie Tripp was very decisive as office manager Violet whose hard work is never rewarded and she has had enough. Emma Hardy was the soft-hearted secretary, Doralee, a backwoods girl constantly misunderstood. Jess Barras made up the trio as Judy, the hesitant new girl, in her first job because her husband has just run off with his young secretary, who becomes stronger as the show proceeds.
Tim Berry was most realistic as the sexist, chauvinist boss, Franklin Hart Jr, constantly trying to make a move on the pretty secretaries and Julie Gower was the self-important but rather plain Roz who is besotted with Hart who does not even notice her.
The sassy trio each fantasise how they would kill their obnoxious boss, in the end manacling him to a bed to keep him out of the way. In his absence they brighten the office and take control of the company.
Chris Meineck was sympathetic as Joe, adoring Violet from afar, and Sam Sheppard was the cowboy-type Dwayne, Doralee's partner. The show's choreographer made a fleeting appearance as Missy, Hart's fierce wife who swiftly puts him in his place.
Directed by Olwen Adams and Holly Dervan, 9 to 5 is renowned as a hilarious musical but unfortunately because the eight-strong band was so loud, the singers sometimes had to shout which, along with the American accents, made the lyrics difficult to understand.
It was a shame because many of the songs are really good, such as '9 to 5' , 'I Just Might', 'Heart to Hart' and 'Shine Like The Sun', and all the cast worked very hard, only to be swamped by the Regent Centre acoustics.
The story is quite simple but is so much more than a story about three women finding their way in a man's world. Underneath the song and dance is the importance of equality and the right for women to have the same opportunities as men. It is an empowering production that should make you stand up and raise the roof in applause.
Alison Smith
