The blood starts pumpin’ for Drayton Entertainment’s new season with 9 To 5: The Musical, based on the classic 1980 film.
It is a spirited uprising against tedium and tyranny in the office – and a riot it is.
Most will remember the office antics of the fed-up and put-upon threesome led by Dolly Parton as Doralee.
The ladies launch a vendetta against their sexist jerk of a boss and vengeance is so sweet. Not to mention hilarious.
Rich in beloved songs written by Parton, the movie translates well to the stage as its musical roots are brought to the forefront. The mixture of country, rockabilly and Broadway ballads inspire joyful dance numbers.
The audience delights in seeing grass roots take hold as Alex Mustakas plays the sexist jerk. In a long awaited return to the stage, Drayton Entertainment’s artistic director bravely plays the man they love to hate: The Boss, Franklin Hart Jr.
His entire physical presence is transformed as he deftly goes from sleazy lecher to strung up and prone. His newly-grown handlebar moustache and 1970s setting do add to the effect.
Whether he is singing, dancing or wearing a jungle suit, Mustakas delivers with so much fun. He had not been on stage for 12 years but acted in Drayton Entertainments’ first production, Vaudeville, in 1991.
Mustakas multi-tasks in his 9 to 5 roles as actor and director and his comic timing and wealth of expertise benefits both roles.
The spunky character made famous by Dolly Parton is captured by Baden native Joanna Guistini. She delivers the line “I’m going to change you from a rooster to a hen in one shot” with charming gusto. She is also in possession of a sweet singing voice and an endearing manner, along with a very large … wig.
Audience favourite Lisa Horner, of the eloquent facial expressions and the star of the famous Ikea “start the car” commercials, returns to the Drayton Entertainment stage as the ever-so-efficient and ticked-off-about-it office manager Violet Newstead.
Jane Fonda’s nervous newbie Judy character is played by Jayme Armstrong, who stutters then shines and sings beautifully.
The audience loved N. Settimi who plays the boss’ brown-noser with annoying accuracy and flair. The song 5 to 9 draws much laughter; a familiar sound throughout the production.
Dance numbers are enjoyably superfluous with the large cast of seasoned players teamed with local community theatre performers in innovative collaboration with Kitchener-Waterloo Musical Productions..
The 1979 office set, as created by Stephen Degenstein, takes the senses back in time to a pool of clacking typewriters, Rolodex cards and a fully stocked liquor cabinet.
The set undergoes startling transformations from multi-stall washrooms to bedrooms and even a beautiful woodland scene for a dream sequence.
One hundred costumes were designed by Jenine Kroeplin and exemplify the fussy, formal office theme of yore, among many others.
Legendary singer and actress Parton herself is included on a screen to clarify and to charm.
Opening night brought a climax of a much craved sing-along to the title song with its standing ovation.
9 To 5: The Musical runs until March 25. Tickets can be purchased in person at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, online at www.draytonentertainment.com or by calling 519-747-7788 or toll free 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
