"Dreams and plans are in the making, success is out there for the taking…wish it was as simple as it sounds”, a lyric from the musical’s opening song that launches this story of ambition against adversity. '9 to 5' is Dolly Parton’s musical version of the legendary film she starred in alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in 1979. The movie became an iconic snapshot of office life and inequality as three women face patronising and degrading treatment from a chauvinistic boss. The popularity and lasting legacy of the movie seems the perfect recipe for a musical adaptation and Dolly is the perfect person to make it happen.
Originally premiering on Broadway in 2009, '9 to 5' has since enjoyed success on tour and most recently had its London premiere at The Savoy Theatre. This October the latest tour hits the road starting at The New Wimbledon Theatre. After passing across the red carpet I was given a complimentary programme and drinks were served in a “Cup of Ambition” in a nod to the title song of the show.
It would be rare to be at a wedding disco or a karaoke night without hearing Dolly’s iconic Oscar-nominated song '9 to 5', so as the orchestra strikes up the opening chords the audience are immediately transported back to the 1980s. Dolly famously used the sound of her fingernails to replicate the tapping of a typewriter as an introduction to the tune. As a huge treat to her many fans in the audience, Dolly herself appears on screen to introduce the show and characters. Dolly gives a wink and signature giggle when she introduces Doralee, the character she played herself in the film.
The opening song introduces us to the three central characters of the story, wannabe office CEO Violet Newstead, misunderstood secretary Doralee Rhodes and naive newbie Judy Bernly arriving at the office for her first day. The song “Around Here” immediately depicts the strict office etiquette and standards demanded by the company where abundant work memos fly around reminding colleagues to follow the rules. Violet, played charismatically by singer and Strictly star Louise Redknapp, has a jaded view of a job where instead of climbing the ladder over the years she is looked down on and given menial jobs such as making the boss’s coffee and providing gifts for his oblivious wife. Country Girl Dorelee, played with an abundance of likeability by Stephanie Chandos, is facing persistent unwarranted advances from the boss as well as unfair assumptions and gossip from her co-workers. “Don’t judge me by the cover ‘cause I’m a real good book’ is a powerful lyric from “Backwoods Barbie”, a song that tells Dolly’s real story through the character of Doralee.
Making her UK debut, Vivian Panka brings a refreshingly endearing spirit to the character of Judy who at only 21 has been ditched by her husband, (Dolly tells us he is appropriately named Dick), for a younger model and so she is facing the unknown world of working life. Eventually, the leading ladies unite in their joint feelings of hardships and mistreatment, this is perfectly brought together in the inspiring song, “I Just Might”. At the centre of the ladies work, life grief is the chauvinistic boss Franklin Hart Jr who spends his time telling sexist jokes and leering over Doralee. Sean Needham plays Hart as a character the audience loves to hate with terrific comic timing in “Here for You” and impressive resilience as he is suspended in a harness over the stage for the start of the interval. Julie J Nagle has amazing comic timing playing lovestruck disciplinarian Roz Keith who goes from upholding tight rules in the workplace to lustful thoughts in Hart’s office. The audience were in hysterics during the dream sequence number “Heart to Hart” in which she explains her devotion to Hart but then pulls an emotional punch with “5 to 9” where Roz explains that away from the office are her lonely hours.
The impressive set sees the office gain colour as changes are made throughout the show reflecting developments the ladies are making as sung in “Change it”. The songs display the diversity of Dolly’s music from the romance of “Let Love Grow” to the empowering lyrics of “Shine Like the Sun”. Louise really shines in the dance number “One of the Boys” whilst Vivian belts out the powerful song of newfound independence with “Get out and Stay Out”. '9 to 5' may be a feel-good musical but it also discusses important issues, shining a light on an age full of sexism and inequality. The notion of equal pay for men and women is laughed at whilst a young colleague trained by Violet is promoted above her simply because of his gender. Whilst this is a reflection of a different era the “Me Too” movement has highlighted the scale of mistreatment that has occurred over the years and how even though so much has changed there is still a way to go. 40 years after the original film this story stills feels relevant.
If you, like me, are a fan of the Global icon and Country Superstar Dolly Parton you will be in love with this musical from the first bar, if you’re not you couldn’t help but be swept away with this joyful tale of friendship and sisterhood. If I could give this show a 6th star, I happily would!
Playing until October 23rd before touring The UK until March 2022
Review by Myles Ryan
Rating: ★★★★★
