Association of Community Theatre

Show Reviews November 2017

9 TO 5 the MUSICAL

 

Alderley & Wilmslow Musical Theatre Company

 

Director: Heidi Cooke

Musical Director: Ed Nurse

Choreographer: Colette Desborough

 

To capture the office environment and other locations, this group has wholeheartedly embraced projection imagery, just adding set dressing to complete the picture. This all worked exceptionally well. All the scenes changes were synchronised with the action allowing the story to flow unhindered. The concept was well thought out combining the marriage of the presentation and the show’s book to create an enjoyable, watchable entertainment.

 

Technically, the lighting gave an all-important extra dimension to the drama. Unfortunately, sound levels were not as they should have been and so they had  the only hiccup in the otherwise seamless, creative delivery.

 

The director had her her cast focus on the comedy and  bring out  “Girl Power”. All the movement and choreography created the mood and settings of the set pieces. Musically, every crochet and quaver of Dolly Parton’s music and lyrics lifted the score. The creative team worked as one and this showed throughout. Their efforts were rewarded by an enthusiastic audience.

 

Casting couldn’t have been stronger. The ensemble played the other employees of Consolidated Industries. From the tea lady to the office drunk, they supported well and were an integral part of the proceedings.

 

Sophie Williams played Roz Keith, the only one in love with her boss and who rats on her work colleagues. Sophie displayed good comic timing especially in the number “Heart to Heart” with the female ensemble; laughter rang out in the auditorium.

 

Company man Joe, with his unrequited love for Violet, was convincingly played  by Russel Caulfield. Widower Violet succumbed to Joe’s persistence and they lived happily ever after.

CEO of Consolidated Industries, the embezzling, lecherous Franklin Hart Jr., is not the easiest of characters to play convoincingly. As the bigoted, sexist boss, Bradley Snelling interpreted all the comedy of the script and was a good feed for all.

 

The “Girl Power” is driven by Violet, Doralee and Judy; the three actresses playing them were completely in harmony with each other. The outcome was solid characterisation which was highlighted in their “pot” induced “Shine Like the Sun”.

 

Violet eventually becomes President of the company and Tina Spiers, as Violet, took the audience along on her journey. She was sincere and she brought character to the songs, making them part of the dialogue. As the sexy Doralee, Eileen Rawlison captured the “Backwoods Barbie”. Her accent never dropped and the Rhinestone girl wove her way in and out of the plot. Judy, shy and timid, soon found herself and became filled with confidence. Her musical numbers are character stepping stones, culminating in the powerful Act 2 solo. Ruth Moore, as Judy, showed the developing character through all her stages and held the audience with her singing.

 

All the energy and hard work paid off. The show was an entertaining and enjoyable two hours plus spent at the theatre.