Just 30 minutes north of Chicago is a fantastic place to see some really amazing shows in the round. One of those shows is currently playing at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire through October 13th – “9 to 5 the Musical”. Based on the wacky 80s film starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, Lilly Tomlin and Dabney Coleman, Parton has created and score that is as clever as it is upbeat.
It is an age when a woman taking a CEO position was unthinkable, a man’s world where women were merely underlings and often objectified. Welcome to the workplace in the 1970s and the fight for women’s rights. In “9 to 5” we meet three improbable friends who are bonded when they each have to put up with their abusive, sexist and egotistical boss, “Franklin Hart Jr.”. Enough is finally enough when the three kidnap their boss and seize control of the office. When their new ideas are implemented, we see the office change from a sexist and petty rule-ridden atmosphere into a place where employees enjoy coming to work and productivity skyrockets.
“9 to 5” is funny and flat out entertaining. The cast features two Jeff Award winners in Kelli Cramer (Violet Newstead”) and Susan Moniz (“Judy Bernly”} and each are as sensational with their impressive vocals as they are with their humorous line delivery. Alexandra Palkovic is also stunning as “Doralee Rhodes” and has just the right amount of country and vocal talent to gracefully pull off the signature role made famous by Dolly Parton. Of course, for the play to succeed a strong talent would be needed to take on the role of “Franklin Hart Jr.” and they certainly cast well in bringing in James Moye, whose presence couldn’t have been more fitting.
David H. Bell, who so brilliantly directed “South Pacific” at Marriott Theatre last year, does it again in his creative direction of “9 to 5”. At the same time, Matt Raftery gets big kudos for his wonderful choreography. A charming workplace revenge story, “9 to 5” not only salutes women’s rights but even promotes the legalization of marijuana. This is a fun, toe-tapping show that doesn’t make you think too much. It’s the perfect show to just simply relax and have a good time. Then you can go home and have your own revenge fantasy with your boss.
“9 to 5 the Musical” is playing a Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire through October 13th. Tickets range from $40-$48. For more information, please visit www.MarriottTheatre.com or call 847-634-0200.
