9 to 5 The Musical

Canterbury Theatre Guild’s production of 9 to 5 The Musical, based on the movie of the same name, was a delightful afternoon at the theatre.

The production was brought to life by a talented cast of 22, which nicely filled the compact space at NIDA. The highly entertaining script and score by Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick is hilarious and really gives the audience an inside view of office life in the 1980’s for three women, working for a rude and very sexist boss at the fictional setting of “Consolidated Industries”.

The score has some great toe tapping numbers including “Backwards Barbie Doll” where the Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton role in the Movie), played here by Nicole Butler, sings about wanting to be respected by her work colleagues. Nicole performed the number with great vocal power. Another of the numbers that made an impact was “Let Love Grow”, sung by Violet and Joe about, Violet being anxious to let another love in her life after the passing of her husband three years ago. This against the persuasions of her fellow younger work colleague Joe. This number was the highlight in the production for me with both Renee Bechara and Stephan Jamal harmonising beautifully throughout.

The remaining role in the trio of lead women in the show was Judy Bernly, played by Rebecca Coe, who has her first day at “Consolidated Industries” as the show begins. Judy, who has never worked before, is joining the workforce after the divorce from her husband Dick (Tim Martin). The girls end up taking her under their wings after a night where they are all high, and dream of killing their egotistic Boss Franklin Hart Junior (Nathan Farrow). The three lead roles all share some lovely moments on stage together and have gelled together well to bring these bold characters to life.

Nathan Farrow plays the role of the self-centred boss adequately and provided some terrific vocals in his number “Here for You” but I just didn’t buy it enough that he was that mean to his employees.

Another role that brought a great comedic element was that of Roz Keith (Grace Lizzio), Hart’s assistant, who is in love with her boss and sings a brilliant number in “Hart to Hart” letting her love for Hart burst open in a wonderfully choreographed number with ensemble members dressed as Roz dancing alongside her.  Lizzio’s comedic timing throughout the show was a standout and had the small audience laughing every time she was on stage.

Musically the show was good although in parts sounded too loud in ensemble numbers and solos seemed muffled, while a few music cues seemed to be missed. Technically there seemed to be a few set issues, mainly of moving pieces on and off, which I’m sure will be smoothed out over the next few performances.

From reading the programme Canterbury seemed to have had a few issues with production teams early on, but the team of Director Cameron Lewis, MD’s Jessica Manning and Kane Wheatley and Choreographer Jolien Dirvin have produced a production that is highly entertaining with some excellent polished performances.

9 to 5 is definitely worth the trip to the NIDA Theatre. Don’t miss this very funny musical there’s only one weekend left to see it.

James Russell