A night at the theater seeing a musical is a perfect way for me to spend the evening. I had the pleasure of being invited to the opening night of ‘9 to 5 The Musical’ at the fabulous Fox Theater, and it was such a treat for my friend and I. After noshing on great food next door at the City Diner, we walked the short jaunt to the Fox and settled in our seats.
‘9 to 5 The Musical’ follows the traditional story from the movie 9 to 5 that was released in 1980. The play introduces us once again to Violet (Dee Hoty), Doralee (Diana DeGarmo), and Judy (Mamie Parris) who work at Consolidated Companies under the watchful eye of male chauvinist Franklin Hart, Jr. (Joseph Mahowald) and his “Girl Friday” Roz (Kristine Zbornik). Violet has been working for the company for 15 years as a secretary and has been dreaming of getting a promotion while Doralee can’t find a friend in the office because Hart has told everyone they are having an affair. Judy is the newbie in the office and is doing her best to fit in after working at her first job due to her husband leaving her.
The sets in the musical are stunning and truly fees like an office environment 80’s style. And the musical numbers are a thrill to behold—the whole cast and company weave in and out of each scene effortlessly without missing a beat, and are entertaining every step of the way.
The gem of the musical I must say is former American Idol runner-up, Diana DeGarmo, who plays a dead-on Doralee ala Dolly Parton, who originated the character in the movie. Her voice and singing style were as if Dolly had taken over her body—the mannerisms, accent, and whole Doralee aura was straight up Dolly. Diana’s voice has gotten much stronger since her Idol days and I was impressed by her as an actress.
What’s more, the musical intertwines Dolly Parton as the virtual narrator of the show, making it an authentic spin-off from the movie. You can tell she was involved with the musical presentation, and for that, it is stellar.
‘9 to 5 The Musical’ is a brilliant stage piece that infuses the 70’s and 80’s nostalgia into its bravado effortlessly. It’s a dose of girl power and “I am woman, here me roar” that encourages everyone to work hard for their dreams no matter what. And if you liked the film, you will love the musical. It is everything the film is and then some.
‘9 to 5 The Musical’ plays at the Fox Theater from 2/8 to 2/20. To learn more about the musical or to purchase tickets, click HERE.
As a bonus to my readers, I am giving away one ‘9 to 5 The Musical’ coffee mug. To win the mug, simply follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and You Tube, as well as leave a comment letting me know if you plan on seeing the musical or if your thoughts on the original movie. This fun contest ends on 2/16/11 and the winner will be contacted by email, so make sure to leave your correct address when commenting.
Special thanks to Erin Hentz for the tickets.
Photo credit: Joan Marcus
I absolutely loved the original movie 9 to 5. I think it was every working woman’s fantasy movie! We are going to see the musical this Friday at the Fabulous Fox. I can’t wait to see how they have made this story contemporary for today’s audiences. So happy to hear that you enjoyed it!
I saw the musical in LA, it was so much fun! Loved it.
I saw “9 To 5” on Broadway a few years ago and it was good! That was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid, and I never get tired of the song!