9 to 5: The Musical | Jones Theatrical Group & QPAC

Sometimes… despite ‘an all-star Australian cast,’ a reworking of a successful film, and a show that apparently was a Broadway hit and promises a fun night out … an apparently crowd-pleasing show doesn’t always get a great review.

9 to 5 is a 1980s film, centred on three women who live out their fantasies of overthrowing their oppressive, "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" boss. The original film was a commercial and critical success, and propelled the talented Dolly Parton into mainstream popular culture. Parton clearly has a soft spot for 9 to 5, writing the music and lyrics for 9 to 5 The Musical (and featuring in occasional videos, providing introductions and commentary during the live show). 13 years after the original Broadway run, 9 to 5 The Musical is now touring Australia with an ‘all-star Australian’ cast, including a Brisbane run that ends on 2nd July 2022.

You may have noticed that it’s been a challenging few years, so having the opportunity to see what is promoted as a joyous musical, and a chance to have a good night out, sounded like just what the doctor ordered. For many in Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre audience the show obviously delivered. The opening night crowd were on their feet at the end of the evening—but this included some of us who were making a quick exit. I was happy to applaud the hard work of the cast and musicians, but I just can’t recommend this particular show.

The Australian leads did a great job with their roles. Casey Donovan’s vocals were a standout, and if you like Donovan’s voice you are definitely going to enjoy the show. Donovan’s portrayal of the newly-divorced Judy Bernly was excellent—taking us on the journey from a gauche first day at work,through to the depiction of an empowered executive who really did not need her cheating husband back. Marina Prior (Violet Newstead) was a believable smart-but-overlooked rising star, where Prior’s big numbers in the second act were highlights of the evening (a great ‘One of the Boys’ and lovely ‘Let Love Grow’ duet). Erin Clare’s portrayal of Dolly Parton’s Doralee Rhodes was suitably bright, and beautifully costumed, and I particularly enjoyed Clare’s ‘Backwoods Barbie.’ Eddie Perfect’s Franklin Hart Jnr. certainly did make the flesh creep, and Caroline O’Connor performed Roz Keith’s crowd-pleasing ‘Heart to Hart’ with relish.

The original film (book by Patricia Resnick) was a light-hearted critique of workplace behaviours prevalent at the time, and ended on a positive note: the bad guy was sent to South America, our heroines triumphed, women were recognised for their contribution, and improved workplace benefits delivered an improvement in productivity. Some of the themes from the original book and film are ‘updated’ in the musical. For example, the misogynistic boss is now restrained with his own bondage gear (I think it was with hishand-gliding suit in the film?), and we see the raunchier side of Hart’s executive assistant in ‘Heart to Hart.’ But I would much prefer to have seen a more comprehensive updating of the show—to include the removal of the use of guns, and a better reflection of #metoo.

The choreography of the ensemble pieces was high-powered, and performed with great precision by the full cast (although I felt that the choreography of ‘Here for You’ and ‘Heart to Hart’ lacked subtlety, as there seemed to be more embarrassed laughter than joy in the room during those numbers). The musicians were ‘on point,’ but  I’d like the sound engineer to consider turning it all down a notch. The set design looked great, but there seemed to be a lot of unnecessary moving around of pieces, and the frequent use of the Parton video was a distraction away from the work of the live performers. But, as Jeff Calhoun (Director) has numerous awards and Broadway credits to his name, Calhoun clearly knows what works for a Broadway audience. Sadly, it just didn’t work for me. A pity, as I usually enjoy QPAC shows.

Verdict: Go if you want to see Casey Donovan or because you loved the film. Otherwise, invest your money in some of the local shows in Brisbane, including the great QTC productions coming soon to QPAC.

9 to 5 The Musical runs at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC until 2 July 2022.