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Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
9 to 5 is back at The Alexandra Theatre this week, this time with the BMOS Musical Theatre Company – an amateur performing arts group with members of all ages from across the West Midlands.
Based on the 1980 film starring Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton, the show has an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by Dolly Parton herself, and a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick.
Set in the late 1970s, 9 to 5 tells the story of Doralee (Jo Smith), Violet (Michelle Worthington) and new employee Judy (Rachel Richards) – three female co-workers pushed to their limits by their sexist and egotistical boss Franklin Hart. After a hilarious turn of events, the women concoct a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on the despicable Hart, taking control on the company that has always kept them down.
I’ve had the privilege of seeing the professional UK Touring company performances of 9 to 5 twice, and everything about this show – from the vocal requirements to the choreography, sets and staging – is BIG.
And BMOS absolutely did it justice.
The three female leads were just glorious. Michelle Worthington was strong and confident as Violet, a smart and ambitious senior office administrator and widow who is overlooked for a promotion in favour of a man that she trained. Jo Smith shone in the role of Doralee, with a no-nonsense southern accent and Dolly Parton-esque attitude to match. Her voice was powerful – even when her microphone cut out completely during her biggest song, the audience could still hear her with ease. It was wonderful to watch the transformation of Judy as she became more empowered throughout the show, and this was delivered to perfection by the immensely talented Rachel Richards, who was in her debut lead role for BMOS. What a voice.
The odious Franklin Hart Jr was played by James Gordonifar. Hilarious, with brilliant comedic timing which he was able to continue while being suspended from the ceiling (although in a toned down costume of a suit in the first half and pyjamas in the second instead of the usual bondage outfit traditionally used in these scenes).
Perhaps the show stealer was the FABULOUS Beth Hunt in the role of Roz, the office spy and admin assistant who has long harboured amorous feelings for the boss. Her declaration of love in the performance of Heart to Hart was undoubtedly my favourite point of the show, and judging by the reaction from the audience, I was not alone.
As a company, BMOS are always polished and slick in their performances, and 9 to 5 was no exception. Every ensemble member knew exactly what they were doing throughout, and I always appreciate the sheer joy and enthusiasm that radiates from the stage in every show.
The sets were cleverly used, with scene changes involving the simple but effective sliding of panels and I was impressed that dream sequences that had been previously cut from the UK tour were included. There were a few minor issues with sound, but this didn’t detract from the overall performance.
Absolutely worth a watch and a brilliant opportunity to celebrate local talent!
Suzie Speaks 
This must have been so much fun!