The musical "9 to 5" is inspired by the 1980 film of the same name directed by Colin Higgins and starring Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin. Country queen Dolly Parton wrote the music for the 9 to 5 musical adaptation. Find out what we thought of this show.
The plot
Judy, Violet and Doralee work for sexist and pompous boss Franklin Hart. Violet has worked for the company for many years, but has never been promoted, although she more than deserves it. Judy has just divorced and is doing her first day at the company. Doralee, Hart's secretary, is a sexy, married country girl, but she is rejected by the other women in the company. Judy has a horrible first day at work, Violet doesn't get the promotion she expected, and Doralee learns that Hart has told everyone they were having an affair although it wasn't true. The three women unite in their hatred for Hart and fantasize about how they could kill him.
When Violet unwittingly poisons Hart, he blackmails the three women by threatening to report them to the police. Decided to take power, they imprison their boss at his home. During his "absence", the three women run the company successfully by proposing improvements to working conditions. They also take the opportunity to prove that he has embezzled company funds. But the boss manages to free himself… Will the three women manage to keep up the social progress made to the company?
Our opinion
Dolly Parton composed all the songs for this musical and we can easily recognize her style through the music. The show opens with a video of the singer performing the title song "9 to 5", a song that will be repeated several times.
The story remains very strange and we try to forget this funny plot by focusing on the actors and the grotesque situations. Because indeed, what we remember from the show is that it's very funny: some gags are quite easy but we still have a great time. Some situations are particularly funny and the audience laughs out loud.
A pretty smart aspect of this show are the costumes which become more and more colorful throughout the plot to reflect the improvement that the young women bring to the business.
The music is very beautiful but does not necessarily work with the message that is trying to be transmitted.
The scenery changes are very frequent and the poor actors have to push and pull all the scenery. The choreographies seem to suffocate on an already full stage.
Natalie McQueen's performance is incredible. She plays the role of Dolly Parton: her southern accent and her country voice are absolutely perfect! Caroline Sheen plays Violet and she is formidable and energetic. She had to replace at short notice the actress Louise Redknapp who was injured and had to give up the role.
The presence of Amber Davies in the role of Judy had created a media wave: the young woman leaves the reality TV show Love Island: her involvement in the show reflects an economic aspect hoping to attract her fans. She is not doing too badly, we especially note her “Get Out and Stay Out” number. Unfortunately, it is hard to believe her in her role as a young ingenuous.
We also retain the performance of Bonnie Langford who is to die of laughter. The 54-year-old actress captivates us with impressive choreography and a very funny acting game.
Overall, we have a good time and come out with the melodies in mind. But this spectacle is not overwhelming.
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