The Chemainus Theatre Festival’s summer musical 9 to 5 drew the biggest opening night audience that we’ve seen there since 2020 and it’s likely a sign of things to come as word of mouth spreads about this top notch production.
By intermission the near-capacity crowd was almost already on their feet in a standing ovation, and the cast could easily have performed another encore at the end as nobody was anxious to head to the door, instead happily wallowing in the upbeat atmosphere and showing their appreciation for what was easily one of the theatre’s best summer musical offerings in years.
The show is based on the book by Patricia Resnick and the hit film, with music and lyrics by the beloved Dolly Parton. There were big shoes to fill, but the theatre more than rose to the occasion with this hilariously witty script and astonishingly talented cast.
The basic story is pretty well known: a group of women toil away as secretaries for a misogynist boss in the 1980s corporate jungle. They get fed up with CEO Franklin Hart Jr. (W. Joseph Matheson), who is the epitome of everything wrong with the old boys club, and kidnap him and plot their revenge.
Everything about this show works. The music is catchy and fun, with showstopping numbers for each member of the main cast that had the audience laughing and cheering. The choreography and dancing lends a bit of a Broadway feel. The set, which looks quite plain in the beginning is actually a very clever chameleon. The script is fast-paced and left the audience laughing out loud.
And the cast is chalk full of great voices and comedic timing that make even the villains a delight to watch.
Stephanie Roth plays Violet Newstead, the leader of the trio of women who go rogue, and she is wonderful, with just the right understated sarcasm and strength.
Jennie Neumann shines as Doralee Rhodes, whom Hart sexually harrasses without shame. She’s the iron fist in the velvet glove, bubbly and irrepressable, but also vulnerable and tough.
Sarah Carlé Owen is Judy Bernly, the newcomer who’s been forced into the rat race after her husband cheated on and left her for his own secretary. She starts out shy and uncertain, but finds her strength as the plot progresses.
Ali Watson as Roz, Hart’s assistant who spies and reports on the rest of the office to prove her devotion to him, delivers one of the best musical numbers of the show with ‘Heart to Hart’. It is a phenomenal performance that will leave you in stitches — a true standout in a show filled with great performances.
Carlé Owen’s ‘Dance of Death’ is another standout musical number.
And of course ‘9 to 5’ is iconic for a reason.
The show’s not just froth, however.
The themes of what women can face in the workplace are just as relevant today as they were when this story was first written. And the choice to deliver them as a comedy is brilliant. It certainly makes the absurdity apparent in a way that’s still fun for everyone, which can sometimes be the best way to make a serious point.
Expert direction by Julie Tomaino keeps the show moving at a brisk clip, just part of the slick, professional, production that includes everything from costumes to lighting, sound and sets.
If you’re interested in seeing 9 to 5 The Musical, and you should be, you should book your tickets as soon as possible, as some dates are already selling out. Get them at chemainustheatre.ca or call the box office at 1-800-565-7738. The show runs until Aug. 25.
