“9 to 5: The Musical”

*** My loyal readers ( and listeners to Around The Town with Al on WCPT820 every Sunday from 1 p.m.-2 p.m.) know that I continue to say that a play is a play, but each time you see it, because of a different venue, a different director and of course different actors, it will have its own identity or in some cases, “charm”. This can also be said for new management taking over a theater. Since its inception, we have attended productions in Arlington Hts at The Metropolis Theatre, right downtown. Over the years we have seen some good, some bad and several changes in management. They now have another new management team and I guess I can say, “Bingo!”- they got it right!

That being said, the choice of “9 to 5: The Musical” is not my first choice, but it is a fun show, and shows us just how far we have come in this world when it comes to women in the work place ( maybe). This hit movie was made into a play  back in 2009 and with the book by Patricia Resnick and the music and lyrics by Dolly Parton ( who starred in the movie version) it worked. The story is about a company with a true male chauvinist boss Mr. Hart ( played by David Gordon-Johnson). His treatment of the female employees is terrible. Doralee ( the part that Parton handled, but in this version handled by Janelle Sanabria) is his right hand, Violet (Melissa Crabtree is divine) is the hard worker who deserves a promotion, but is passed over because she is a woman, and newcomer to the staff, Judy ( deftly handled by Savanah Sinclair, who has a powerful voice) are the threesome who take him hostage and change the company policies in his absence, bringing it to higher level then ever before. That is the story and it all ends up with a happy ending.

Directed by Landree Fleming on a creative set (Eleanor Kahn) that allows the huge stage to entertain some massive dance numbers ( choreographed by Jenna Schoppe). The Metropolis theater itself is laid out in a way that there are no bad sight lines. No matter where you sit, you can see the action. Fleming also uses the aisles to get closer to the audience, drawing them into the action. The back wall composed of panels that swing allowing smooth scene changes keeps the action flowing so that the total time is  around 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission.

The costumes (Jazmin Aurora Medina) are super and very right for the time and the wigs, of which there are many (Miguel Angle Ramos, Jr) were decent for the most part, but I hate the fact that everyone who does this show tends to try to make Doraleee look like Dolly Parton ( and sound like her as well). Why not let the actress develop her own style and character. I think it would be great to see a company do that. Some standout characters in this huge ensemble have to be Dani Goldberg as Roz, the one secretary that would die to be with Mr. Hart. Goldberg;s rendition of “Heart to Hart” is powerful. August Foreman as Joe is another one-of-a-kind performance, Joe and Violet do a number that will take your breath away.

The orchestra conducted by Harper Caruso does a top notch job with the music and the ensemble handles everything thrown at them with style and grace. Hats off to the props designer, Theresa Neumayer and the other tech folk: Abbey Nettleton ( sound) and Madeline Reid (lighting). I must congratulate the new folks at the helm of  Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. You did it!

” 9 to 5: The Musical” will continue thru May 26th with performances as follows: