Working 9 to 5!

Whether you’ve seen the movie a dozen times or have never seen it at all, whether you’re a hardcore Dolly Parton fan or hardly know her music, this play is a MUST SEE. I repeat, MUST SEE. It is full of joy from start to finish. I haven’t had that much fun during a theater production in a minute. On top of that this is a beautiful tribute to one of our brightest shining stars. This production truly impressed me and I can see why it has already sold out tonight’s show. 

The show begins with the iconic song “9 to 5” bursting with energy and introducing us to a large ensemble cast of interesting characters. The costumes are amazing. The men’s vintage tan and gray suits and the women’s clearly 70s dresses and skirts all looked perfect for the time period. One of the most impressive and visually stunning moments is when the stage begins turning during that first song. It took my breath away. Just so cool.

The set design is one of the things that really impressed me throughout the show. The entire set is able to rotate and transform with remarkable ease. One moment, you’re looking at a vintage-looking office filled with desks and warm, yellowish lighting, with the cast dancing on top of desks. Then it transforms into Franklin Hart’s office, complete with a beautiful couch, desk, and bookshelves. The transitions are so smooth that they become part of the fun of watching the show. The lighting, sound, and music were all top-notch, and the entire production felt incredibly polished.

Then we have this cast. Wow.

Laurel Hammis Johnson played Dolly’s character, Doralee Rhodes, and she was such a joy. The costuming for her was perfect along with the big, bold blonde hair. Her voice, accent, and country vocals were so convincing that it made me emotional at times. She was adorable and FUN to watch. Brooke M. Gomez played Violet Newstead who is such a witty, strong, badass character. I loved watching her open her world and possibilities, ultimately sticking up for herself and taking control of her life. Gomez is a natural performer and her stage presence is just powerful!
Erin Whitfield played Judy Bernly whose character has to go through a lot of growth to find her happiness and peace. I have seen Whitfield in Merrily We Roll Along and have been a fan ever since. She is incredible! Brings so much life and vulnerability into her roles, with such a gorgeous voice to top it off. I loved the story of these three women coming together and supporting each other as they work to make their workplace and lives better.

Then we have Kyler Syring, another actor I have recently seen as the lead in Jekyll and Hyde just last month! I’m genuinely impressed watching him transform into such a completely different character so naturally. In this production he plays the “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss man, Franklin M. Hart Jr. A lot of his lines really do make you roll your eyes and scoff in disgust which is what makes watching the women come after him even more satisfying. Kyler can take on any role and I’d be happy to watch it, his voice and acting are impeccable.
Melissa Bornemann played the character Roz Keith and I gotta say…her song may be my favorite of the whole show. Not only are her vocals powerful, the song is hilarious and got the entire audience cracking up with the ensemble dressed in matching Roz costumes seductively dancing around in her fantasy world. What a scene!

The cast looked like they were having the time of their lives. Everyone on stage was electric, and I feel I would be too if I were singing Dolly on stage at the top of my lungs every night! The energy was undeniable and completely contagious.

9 to 5 at the Midland Center for the Arts directed by Chad William Baker is funny, colorful, nostalgic and genuinely uplifting. The cast, production team, and musicians have created an incredibly entertaining show and I left feeling happy and thoroughly impressed. If you’re tired of working 9 to 5, take a break and go see this production!