Christmas 1980, I remember it well. I was a wee waif, in stature at least. Old enough however to go catch some lighthearted festive fun at the cinema. My sister, an ardent feminist, saw that there was a new film showing, 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. A comedy about three women standing up for their rights with a twinkle in their eye. There I was on Thursday afternoon, some forty-six years later, sat among an enthusiastic audience of ‘baby boomers’ – I like to think of myself as a pre-millennial post sceptical cynic – watching 9 to 5 The Musical (Yvonne Arnaud), featuring a score by the one and only, and much underestimated in many ways, country music legend ‘Dolly’. The hit theme song, which naturally features prominently in the show, shot her to stardom. Parton said she composed the rhythm of the song using the sound of her acrylic fingernails tapping together like a typewriter and how can you doubt Dolly.
It is a simple tale of three office workers, Doralee, Judy and Violet, who want to kick their inappropriate chauvinistic boss into touch. It is inspired by a true story about the 9 to 5 movement set up in Boston in 1972 to fight for fair pay, an end to sexual harassment and better workplace respect. These were pre-Weinstein and Epstein days and though the behaviour of most of the men in the musical is ridiculed there is a serious underlying message. Soapbox messaging over – Paul Jepson’s production is great fun with an excellent cast who are spoiled the whole way through by Dolly’s irresistible music, which will make you laugh, cry and clench your fist in solidarity. I remembered my sister while watching.
Fonda, Tomlin and Parton are quite a starry trio to follow but Karla Tracey (Doralee), Kayla Carter (Judy) and Jade Marvin (Violet) hit all the right notes with their portrayals and vocals. You’ll wince but I’m pleased to report that the show remains true to its misogynistic foolishness, the power tripping of fools who are abject stereotypes, rife in the 1980’s workplace. Carter is outstanding as Judy capturing both her sweet, downtrodden nature and her growing confidence as she undergoes a convincing transformation while Tracey shines as Doralee, the role made famous by Dolly Parton, bringing warmth, strength and charm and Marvin gives a powerful performance as the determined Violet. Meanwhile Tim Rogers plays the odious boss with just the right balance of swagger and comic villainy and Jessica Martin is a delight as Roz, whose hopeless devotion to her boss provides some of the show’s funniest moments.
Packed with uplifting songs, plenty of laughs and a story that reflects the attitudes of its era while remaining surprisingly relevant, 9 to 5 is an entertaining, uplifting show. There are many feel good productions currently doing the rounds, some with a message and some not, but few get the balance right like this drawing you in from the opening moments. Instantly engaging characters take you on a fun, infectious journey all the way through to the joyful finale with this matinee audience swept along and joining in as though the boomers had regressed to childhood. Just the type of effect Dolly has on us all. Working nine to five, what a way to make a living…
9 to 5 The Musical (tour) – www.9to5musical.co.uk