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, you should definitely 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 identify. 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 previous group, the present’s ebook is written by Patricia Resnick, the unique screenwriter of 9 to five.
Louise Redknapp, former band member of Everlasting and extra just lately runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing, returns as Violet, in a job that could be very a lot devoted to the movie’s character. A lot the identical will be stated for the plot and spirit of the film basically. This comedy is stuffed with witty feedback, outlandish behaviour, a little bit 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 means of the tunes, new and previous, penned by the singer-songwriter herself.
Earlier than 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 remains to be going robust at present – 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 getting 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. Simply 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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