9 to 5 The Musical Review

Grand Opera House York.  Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

York Stage Musicals present 9 to 5 The Musical at the Grand Opera House, York, running until 17th September.

Based on the 1980 film, this musical comedy, with the music and lyrics written by Dolly Parton, is set in the late1970s and revolves around three office workers, Violet (Julie Anne Smith), Doralee (Alicia Roberts) and Judy (Jo Theaker) exacting revenge on their sexist boss, Hart (Darren Roberts).

The show opens with the iconic 9 to 5 with Dolly Parton streamed live from Dollywood”. The scene is set, a busy secretarial pool with Violet being passed over for promotion by a younger far less experienced man, Doralee, the busty beauty and Judy the ditched, for a younger model, housewife. Hart, the company’s boss is introduced with Here For You, brilliantly performed by Darren Roberts with all its crudeness and and sexist attitudes towards women.

The women form an uneasy alliance, dreaming about killing Hart and accidently appearing to live out their fantasies. Covering up and coping with their mistakes they manage to transform the company into thoroughly modern and forward thinking company.

The 4 leads throw themselves into their roles and are hard to fault, well supported by the ensemble cast. Both Alicia Roberts and Jo Theaker give outstanding vocal performances with Backwoods Barbie and Get Out and Stay Out. I must also mention Maya Tether who gave a terrific performance of Roz, the office busybody who is in love with the boss.

York Stage Musicals, under the direction of Nik Briggs, have put on a great show, it’s a good night of humorous entertainment, going out on a high with the final rendition of 9 to 5. I encourage all to go and see it whilst you can.