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BrumHour saw 9 to 5 the Musical at the invite of The Alexandra.
By Dave Massey twitter.com/BrumHour
This production contains some strong language and implied sexual harassment.
Review: BMOS 9 to 5 The Musical at The Alexandra
⭐⭐⭐⭐A fun cheeky office romp
Directed by Stephen Duckham, music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, book by Patricia Resnick
Set in a large United States city in the late 1970s, 9 to 5 explores office life through the eyes of the new arrival Judy (Rachel Richards) under the watchful eye of Violet (Michelle Worthington). The office is filled with quirky characters including Doralee (Jo Smith) who is judged by her co-workers and slimy boss Franklin (James Gordanifar) won’t leave her alone.
Nearly all of the regular songs from 9 to 5 The Musical are here with a few fever dream songs that were removed from the most recent UK Tour, my favourite being Potion Notion which which features an unexpected cast of Disney-esque animals on stage.
There is are plenty of adult jokes to be found in the fun script and these actors skilfully demonstrate their acting chops as well as showing off their great vocals. The script itself manages to introduce a wide range of characters swiftly and they all have their own quirks.
The main cast is excellent and James Gordanifar is slightly too clean cut to be a slimy boss Franklin, Beth Hunt steals the show as Roz, who is besotted by Franklin. Each character finds themselves on a big journey across the two hours of this story.
The set changes are frequent and swift as the story moves from the main offices and the music is fun and brings the country style of Dame Dolly Parton herself to central Birmingham’s Alexandra stage.
As this is a local production by BMOS it takes the chance to utilise the large chorus cast available and they become the busy office of the firm.
Well worth a visit if you’ve not seen 9 to 5 before or if you are a fan of the other versions and there are plenty of £20 (plus booking fee) tickets available if you don’t mind sitting further back.
A fun cheeky office romp, 9 to 5 The Musical is at The Alexandra until 17th June 2023. Book tickets using BrumHour’s affiliate link >> HERE <<.
