Written by Daniella Litvak
Photo Courtesy: Jennifer Owens
After a long workweek, there is nothing like escaping to the theatre and watching people complain about their jobs on stage. In this play, 9 to 5, at the Attic Theatre, we meet three people. Judy (Allison C. McGuire) recently entered the workforce for the first time because of her divorce. Violet (Maggie Ikerd) was passed over for a promotion. Everyone thinks Doralee (Nicole Gerardi) is sleeping with the boss. The person responsible for all this misery is Franklin Hart – a “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” and CEO of Consolidated Companies. Judy, Violet, and Doralee fantasize about taking Hart down, not realizing their dreams are about to come true.
Going into the show, I knew 9 to 5 had been adapted from a pretty successful 80s movie I had never watched about disgruntled employees exacting revenge on their boss. Knowing that, I was surprised how much the show indulged in spectacle: a gangster movie sequence, a chorus line dressed precisely like the secondary antagonist, animated animals, and I could go on.
Photo Courtesy: Jennifer Owens
I love the show for surprising me[1] and keeping me on my toes. I also appreciate its optimistic message on how it’s possible to improve your workplace. Yet I feel like the show spent too much time setting things up. At the same time, I understand wanting to end the first act at a great moment. I felt they only did it because it was grand and dramatic. I thought it was a plot point that happened too late in the show—letting each character overcome their obstacles too quickly. I wanted more conflict about whether the protagonists were doing the right thing and more moments showing how these three women could become fire-forged friends.
Janet McGregor, who plays Roz, Mr. Hart’s assistant, was phenomenal. If the voices weren’t always the strongest, the performances and choreography more than made up for it.
Do I wish some things were different? Yes. But 9 to 5 is worth seeing for the fabulous costumes, funny dialogue, and zany performances.
7.5/10
[1] The light research I did afterward indicates that the musical is faithful to the movie. So if you have seen the movie, you probably won’t be as astonished as I was.
-Funny premise
-Talented Cast of Actors
-Very close to the original material.
-Not enough obstacles for the main characters.
-Songs are not that memorable.
Do I wish some things were different? Yes. But 9 to 5 is worth seeing for the great costumes, funny dialogue, and zany performances.
Alex Nodopaka
WOW!! This was a great production and I loved seeing it with my family LOL It was super funny and…