“Tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen, Pour myself a cup of ambition and yawn and stretch and try to come to life” These lyrics have been rolling around my head since Opening Night of 9 to 5 The Musical at Lyric Arts this past weekend. It was a full crowd ready for fun and that’s exactly what we got!
Based on the 1980’s film starring Dolly Patron, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda, the musical features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton with book by Patricia Resnick. There is even a pre-show and post-show message from Dolly herself (well recorded but still super a fun little touch to this show). I have to admit I have never seen the movie but now am excited to change that, but the musical at Lyric Arts made for a great introduction to this story.
We meet three coworkers who become the most unlikely of friends and team up to take down their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss. The hilarious schemes this trio dreams up come true one night after work and what comes next will keep you laughing until the end. Once he is “out of the picture” they begin to make changes at the office and their personal lives. Who knew a little kidnapping could have such a positive effect on your life? (please don’t try this at home lol).
Audrey Johnson was fiesty and hilarious as Doralee, Emily Grodzik was a strong center as the career oriented and determined Violet, and Nora Sonneborn brought such humor and heart to the role of Judy. They are superb individually and have such wonderful chemistry together which made this trio so entertaining to watch scheme! Another highlight of this production was Ben Thietje as the their boss Franklin Hart, Jr. who made us cringe and created an entertaining villain for us to root against. The rest of the talented cast includes Jack Strub (Roz), James Grace (Joe), Cody Dahlson, Sam Vinitsky, Cris Sanchez, Emily Hensley, Emily Jabas, Waverly Ann McCollum, Theo Janke-Furman, Warren Sampson, Caitlin Featherstone, Abby Holmstrom, Gabriella Trentacoste, Jaclyn McDonald, and Jonathan P. Haller.
Under the Music Direction by Bradley Beahen, the songs are all written by Dolly Parton which is fun and leads to some really entertaining numbers throughout. From hilarious songs like Jack Strub as Roz singing “Heart to Hart” to getting chills at the end of Judy’s final song “Get Out and Stay Out” as Sonneborn belts out this moment of transformation for her character, there is a little bit of everything in this show.
My parents and I had a blast at Opening Night, it’s always so fun to bring them to new spaces and share in my theatre going adventures! 9 to 5 The Musical was directed wonderfully by Shanan Custer with Kayla Hambek as the Assistant Director and runs through May 12th.
Performances are selling out quick so get your tickets. Up Next at Lyric Arts: THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS opening May 31st! More information and to purchase tickets check out the website here.
Lettered in Theatre 