Clocking in on the majestic New Wimbledon Theatre stage, 9 to five the Musical arrived simply at an ideal time. With a brief run from the 19th to the 23rd of October, remember to take the chance to catch the present earlier than it heads on to pastures new (sure, it’s on tour).
9 to five the Musical is the story of three ladies beset by a sexist, egotistical male boss. They hatch a plan to kidnap the unsavoury boss and switch the tables on him. Predictably, anarchy ensues as occasions unravel and plans collapse. Can these women reform the workplace, or will all of it go downhill when the corporate CEO pays a go to?
The present has a multi-award nominated rating by Dolly Parton, that includes the primary tune 9 to five that Parton wrote for the unique 1980 movie of the identical title. And whereas Dolly Parton doesn’t seem on stage, she is with us in spirit and video kind because the present’s narrator. Rounding up the outdated crew, the present’s guide is written by Patricia Resnick, the unique screenwriter of 9 to five.
Louise Redknapp, former band member of Eternal and extra just lately runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing, returns as Violet, in a task that may be very a lot trustworthy to the movie’s character. Much the identical may be mentioned for the plot and spirit of the film generally. This comedy is filled with witty feedback, outlandish behaviour, a bit of innuendo, and a spot of slapstick.
Alongside Redknapp are Stephanie Chandos, as Doralee, and Vivian Panka, who made her UK debut as Judy. The trio made good use of the gags peppered all through the storyline as they rattle by way of the tunes, new and outdated, penned by the singer-songwriter herself.
Before the present is over, you’ll see the boss, performed by Sean Needham, tied up tight in his personal fetish gear and left hanging from the ceiling whereas the newly-in-charge women commandeer the enterprise to run it in a extra egalitarian method.
It’s all good enjoyable, however with a message that has remained related since earlier than the movie was aired and continues to be going robust at this time – the combat for equality. In 9 to five the Musical, the strategies chosen are farcical, however the underlying message stays – equality for women and men. When the movie aired, this was an aspirational however easy want. Now, 40+ years later, we’re seeing increasingly more ladies becoming a member of the higher echelons of company administration and coming into fields of employment historically seen as male-orientated.
The message is considerably countered by moments of glancing at bottoms and feedback about cleavage. If that’s an excessive amount of to consider, don’t fear. Just sit again, loosen up and put together to sing alongside to 9 to five. The present is nice enjoyable to take in and snort alongside to.
Casting for the present is by Victoria Roe, choreography by Lisa Stevens. Set design is Tom Rogers, with lighting by Howard Hudson. Music supervision by Mark Crossland. The present is directed by Jeff Calhoun, director of the 2010/2011 US tour.
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