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9 to 5

‘9 to 5’ – Wright State University – Divine Vengeance of the Corporate Sisterhood

March 24, 2017 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Broadway is abuzz about a certain matchmaker’s overdue return, but the Dolly I’d like to bring to your attention can be found atop center stage at Wright State University’s first-rate production of the 2009 Tony Award-nominated musical comedy “9 to 5” inside the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center.

(center) Meredith Zahn as Judy Bernly, Bailey Edmonds as Violet Newstead, and Natalie Girard as Doralee Rhodes in Wright State University’s production of Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick’s 2009 Tony Award-nominated musical comedy “9 to 5” (Photo by Erin Pence)

No, Dolly Parton isn’t actually roaming or haunting the CAC these days, but her gleefully earthy, videotaped narration is a huge part of the great charm abundantly flowing from this delightfully humorous yet incredibly stinging satire of female empowerment in the workplace circa 1979. It’s true this show would be just fine without Dolly (her narration was not part of the Broadway production), but she will always represent the film’s nostalgic appeal nonetheless due to her iconic, toe-tapping title tune, one of the best movie songs never to win an Academy Award.

Based on the popular 1980 film of the same name starring Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, “9 to 5,” featuring a libretto by original screenwriter Patricia Resnick, bluntly examines discrimination and sexism as Violet Newstead, Doralee Rhodes and Judy Bernly join forces to put their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss Franklin Hart, Jr. in his place. During a night of partying, the trio playfully imagines how they’d kill Franklin, but through a series of accidental shenanigans they eventually kidnap him and smoothly turn Consolidated into a rejuvenated utopia of productivity, positivity and promise. One of the joys of Resnick’s witty and relevant script stems from the ladies joining in solidarity to accomplish the seemingly impossible. Sure, one of them could have taken the lead and received the credit, but the fact that the three of them became stronger together as friends, women and brave examples makes all the difference in the world.

Firmly directed with a keen comical eye by Greg Hellems, assuring the action is continually bolstered by Violet, Doralee and Judy’s compatibility, the production is enjoyably and respectively led by Bailey Edmonds, Natalie Girard and Meredith Zahn. The lovably stern Edmonds, notably beginning Act 2 with a snazzy rendition of “One of the Boys,” one of many new tuneful if generic songs Parton wrote for the stage version, effectively interprets Violet’s desire for advancement having been bypassed for promotions by those she particularly trained. Girard, a recent knockout as Heather Chandler in “Heathers: The Musical,” completely inhabits the required Southern delicacy and spitfire attack necessary to portray the bubbly vivacious Doralee. She effortlessly accomplishes the amazing feat of being on par with the original actress actually present in spirit. Does it get any better than that? In addition to her hilariously impeccable delivery of Doralee’s fiery speech putting to rest a workplace rumor, Girard supplies dynamic vocals during introspective moments (“Backwoods Barbie”) and spirited anthems (“Shine Like the Sun,” “Change It”). Zahn, elegantly dancing up a storm earlier this season as Lucille Early in “No, No, Nanette,” endearingly conveys Judy’s sweet naivety and specific determination to start anew, leading to a wondrously life-affirming rendition of “Get Out and Stay Out” late in Act 2 that nearly stops the show.

Elsewhere, Joey Logan is despicably good as the one-dimensional, utterly insensitive Franklin, shrewdly and eerily injecting shades of President Trump when the mood suggests. Emily Chodan scores big laughs as nosey secretary Roz Keith who secretly pines for Franklin with sensual abandon in the aptly titled “Heart to Hart.” Zach Fretag (Violet’s love interest/co-worker Joe), David Emery (Doralee’s husband Dwayne), Joey Kennedy (Violet’s son Josh and a standout among the male ensemble in “One of the Boys”), Eli Davis (Judy’s ex-husband Dick), Mackenzie Kasbaum (tipsy Margaret), and Cody Westbrook (Tinsworthy in the deliciously playful vein of Leslie Jordan) are notable among an excellent ensemble cast.

Choreographer Megan Wean Sears’ lively and character-conscious routines, Michael S. Brewer’s efficient set design, Jessica Drayton’s expert lighting, Emily Sollinger’s colorful period attire, and music director Scot Woolley’s rip-roaring orchestra are also noteworthy.

Women have made significant strides in the nearly 40 years since “9 to 5” took America by storm, but there’s still room for growth from equal pay to reproductive health care to the presidency. Let us aim to keep moving forward until the tide turns and rolls everyone’s way.

 

“9 to 5: The Musical”continues through April 2 in the Creative Arts Center Festival Playhouse of Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Performances are March 30 at 7 p.m.; March 24, 25, 31, and April 1 at 8 p.m.; and March 25, 26, April 1 and 2 at 2 p.m. Act One: 80 minutes; Act Two: 45 minutes. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 students and seniors. For tickets or more information, call (937) 775-2500 or visit www.wright.edu/theatre-tickets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, On Stage Dayton Reviews, The Featured Articles Tagged With: 9 to 5, Creative Arts Center, Festival Playhouse, Jr., Russell Florence

Coming up in Dayton Theatre 3/15 – 3/24

March 15, 2013 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

In Julius Caesar, the Shakespeare classic, a soothesayer memorably tells the eponymous ruler to “Beware the Ides of March.” Luckily for you and I and everyone else, this Ides brings nothing about which to be wary, but plenty about which you should be aware! For instance:

Opening This Weekend!

Grand Hotel The MusicalGrand Hotel

Wright State University Theatre

The Skinny: Based on the 1929 Vicki Baum novel and play, Menschen im Hotel (People in a Hotel), and the subsequent 1932 MGM feature film, the musical focuses on events taking place over the course of a weekend in an elegant hotel in 1928 Berlin and the intersecting stories of the eccentric guests of the hotel, including a fading prima ballerina; a fatally ill Jewish bookkeeper, who wants to spend his final days living in luxury; a young, handsome, but destitute Baron; a cynical doctor; and a typist dreaming of Hollywood success.

Dates: Opening this weekend and running through March 31st.

Tickets: Please visit the Wright State Theatre Department website for all ticketing details.

 

Kettering Children's Theatre Alice In WonderlandAlice In Wonderland

Kettering Children’s Theatre

The Skinny: Alice In Wonderland is a retelling of the classic tale of…Alice In Wonderland! The girl, the rabbit hole, the queen, the (Cheshire) cat and all the other delightfully daffy classic characters are present in this production, which features original sets inspired by a local artist! This is a great event for families with young ones, who will enjoy that KCT is theatre for children and by children, with its cast comprised of students grades 5-9.

Dates: Alice opens 3/15 and runs two weekends, closing on 3/24.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the door, by purchase with cash or a check, and are able to be reserved by calling the Rosewood Arts Center office at (937) 296-0294.

 

 

Currently In Production!

La Comedia Dinner Theatre 9 to 5 The Musical9 to 5 – The Musical

La Comedia Dinner Theatre

The Skinny: The classic 1980 black comedy about 3 working women who are just a step on their boss’s ladder was transformed in 2009 into a hit Broadway musical. Dolly Parton, who starred in the original movie alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, wrote new original music to compliment her smash hit title single. After the ladies plan for revenge goes wildly awry, hijiks, as they so often due in musical theatre, ensue!

Dates: Running through April 14th!

Tickets: Tickets and reservations are available at the La Comedia website, www.lacomedia.com.

Closing This Weekend!

Dayton Playhouse Thoroughly Modern MillieThoroughly Modern Millie

The Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: Taking us back to 1922 with the sensation of flappers, the thrill of a budding mystery and the bliss of falling in love, this musical will get your toes tapping as spring peeks ’round the corner. Based on the on 1967 film musical of the same name starring Julie Andrews and Mary Tyler Moore, this one will have you humming as you leave the theatre.

Dates: Millie takes her final bow this weekend, closing on 3/17

Tickets: Please visit the Dayton Playhouse website at www.daytonplayhouse.com

 

Broadway in the BurgBroadway in the ‘Burg

Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg

The Skinny: The talented cast will be telling you to Consider Yourself at Home from Oliver, be transported back in time to magical Camelot and ride a train in Iowa to Rock Island from Music Man. Cinderella dances with the Prince in the romantic Ten Minutes Ago and the whole cast will bring you to your feet with the blockbuster title number from Oklahoma!

Dates: March 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. Show times are Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets are on sale now at http://www.cpamburg.com

Filed Under: On Stage Dayton Tagged With: 9 to 5, Alice In Wonderland, Dayton Playhouse, dinner theatre, kettering children's theatre, La Comedia, Movie Musicals, the dayton playhouse, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Wright State University Theatre Department

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