9 to 5 The Musical, Mansfield Operatic Society

★★★★

Reviewer - NATASHA

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

With 9 to 5 The Musical, Mansfield Operatic Society has produced an absolute winner of a show with a dedicated and talented cast of local amateur performers. With a live band, clever set, simple yet effective choreography and enormous vocal capability, they give this joyful celebration of female empowerment their absolute best shot.

9 to 5 has music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, one of the original stars of the film on which the show is based, and she even opens the production, introducing the characters in a scenic projection onto a clock-shaped screen. Bookending the musical in tableau, the fabulous ensemble then come to life and start the show in style as the eponymous ‘9 to 5’ kicks in with great choral harmonies and plenty of energy!

Written (like the film on which it is based) by Patricia Resnick, the musical’s plot isn’t rocket science - and whilst it is an entertaining romp with a witty script that contains many comedic one-liners, parts of it do fall flat in a post-MeToo era. Yet the story of three (female) secretaries uniting to overthrow their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” of a boss is undeniably engaging. This production got a brilliant response from a supportive audience, whooping and clapping throughout in appreciation.

There are (sorry, Dolly!) sadly no songs that match the catchiness of opening number/finale ‘9 to 5’, but stand-outs by this cast, in particular, were Backwoods Barbie, performed in a perfect country twang by Helen Mumby as Doralee; the soaring, triangulated harmonies of I Just Might ; and Let Love Grow, sung by Jamie Savage (who was a revelation as Joe.) And special mention must go to Jo Dewberry as Roz who stole the show (and livened up an overlong first half) with Heart to Hart. Her character also added a little queer visibility to what is otherwise a disappointingly non-diverse narrative.

As well as onstage performances, kudos must go to those behind the scenes. A good effort was made with staging, as shoji-style sliding panels disguised screen changes, backdrops were used effectively, and clock decor surrounded the sides of the stage. Costumes paid convincing homage to the 1980s (my favourite was a diagonal-striped emerald and black number), as did the props - the Xerox machine was inspired!

There were some areas which would benefit from future development (for example lighting, pacing and less focus on activity in the background of scenes which sometimes distracted from the main action.) But with assured vocal performances, particularly from the trio of female leads Mumby, Amy Shaw and Carolyn Frith, a fabulous array of talented ensemble singers and a wonderful orchestra under the musical direction of Roger Holland, director Cassey Brough-Savage have a bona fide hit on her hands. And as Dolly Parton once said, “9 to 5 the Musical' is perfect for anyone that's ever wanted to string up their boss, which is almost all of us”!

9 to 5 The Musical has now finished its run, but check out Mansfield Operatic Society’s next production in 2024, Kinky Boots! You can keep up to date with the society over on their Facebook page!