9 to 5 - The Musical - Music Theater of Connecticut

9 to 5 – The Musical is receiving a highly entertaining production at the Music Theatre of Connecticut.  Based on the 1980 movie of the same name, with a score by Dolly Parton, the show succeeds because of the talented performers who make up the central characters.  Broadway veteran Gina Lamparella imbues the character of Violet (the Lily Tomlin character from the film) with intelligence and determination.  Hannah Bonnett provides Doralee (the Dolly Parton role in the movie) with a bubbly personality coupled with shrewd insight.  Elissa Demaria (Jane Fonda in the film) is ideal as Judy, an anxious, new-to-the-workforce divorcee, who, by the show’s end, has grown to be a confident, independent woman. 

Hannah Bonnett, Joe Cassidy, Gina Lamparella, and Elissa Demaria in 9 to 5- The Musical.

The three secretaries at Consolidated Industries bond over their hatred of the boss, Franklin Hart, a sexist, egotistical boss who bullies his employees, creating a toxic work environment.  The actor Joe Cassidy is masterful in his portrayal of the reprehensible company head (Dabney Coleman in the movie). 

 

Also, of note, are Robin Lounsbury as Hart’s loyal, lusting administrative assistant Roz Keith, who injects a comedic high note in her song, “Heart to Hart,” and Matt Mancuso, a frequent presence at Music Theatre of Connecticut, who provides ample support as Joe, Junior Accountant and love interest of Violet.

Gina Lamparella and members of the cast in 9 to 5- The Musical.

Feeling empowered, the three secretaries plot their revenge by kidnapping Hart, keeping him stowed in his home while they run the business, quickly turning it into a model, progressive workplace.  Unfortunately, the women’s scheme eventually unravels.  However, they are saved when the Chairman of the Board arrives on the scene.  Impressed by the glowing reviews he has received about the company’s changes, assuming they were administered by Hart, he reassigns him to the company’s Bolivian headquarters and promotes Violet to be the new company head.

 

Dolly Parton's score is a lively mix of country and pop-inflected tunes that work beautifully within a Broadway-style musical.   They feature songs that provide solo showcases for all the principal actors.  One of the many pleasures of the show is the vocal quality of the three actresses, who power through their numbers with bravado and vitality.

Robin Lounsbury in 9 to 5- The Musical.

 

The book by Patricia Resnick, based on the screenplay by Ms. Resnick and Colin Higgins, is full of humor and creates fully fleshed-out characters you care about.  In addition, the musical deftly weaves in such important issues as female empowerment and workplace equality. 

 

Director Amy Griffin keeps the show fast-paced, effortlessly incorporating Scenic Designer Starlet Jacobs’ well-executed office sets and Scott Borowka’s lighting embellishments to the seamless scene changes.   She superbly integrates choreographer Clint Hromsco’s high-energy dance numbers while also engendering a splendid esprit de corps among the three lead women, creating a chemistry among the trio that is believable and engaging.

Elissa Demaria, Matt Mancuso, Gina Lamparella, Hannah Bonnett, and Scott Ahern  in 9 to 5- The Musical.

 

9 to 5:  The Musical, playing at the Music Theatre of Connecticut through May 3.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.