10/15/08: Thoughts on 9 TO 5 at the Ahmanson
10/15/08: Thoughts on 9 TO 5 at the Ahmanson
#110/15/08: Thoughts on 9 TO 5 at the Ahmanson
Posted: 10/16/08 at 3:24am
So let me preface this by saying I had a lot of fun at 9 TO 5 tonight. Is it a great musical? No. Does it further make a case for successfully adapting movies (notice I say movies not films)into Broadway musicals? Only if you think THE WEDDING SINGER and LEGALLY BLONDE are good examples of the transition.
9 TO 5 seems to be just the latest in the trend and follows that cookie cutter formula to a near T: slick, impressively designed, pretty instantly forgettable fluff that seems to serve its purpose as good natured diversion for 2 1/2 hours.
The diversion part isn't a problem. The fact that the musical adds what is essentially an unnecessary extra hour to the fast paced 1980 flick is a bigger issue, that hopefully will be focused on between L.A. and NYC.
Indeed, one of the problems here is that 9 to 5 as a story never really gains anything through Dolly Parton's lively, but not very memorable score. Watching the show, I actually imagined the original film script would probably have played just as well taken 'as is' from the screenplay and given the "BOEING BOEING" straight comedic farce treatment on stage.
A talented country composer, Parton's staff never wages too far from her bluegrass upbringing, so its probably not surprising that its the Western character she played in the original film, Doralee (here, a very fine and eerily Parton-esque Megan Hilty) , that comes off best in song here. But her untheatrical songwriting style does little to help further voice the other characters in the show, and its just a little strange that the musical vocabulary of NYC in this 9 to 5 feels closer to another film hit of 1979, URBAN COWBOY.
Parton too seems too concerned to give equal balance musically to all main characters (and some secondary characters) involved, building show stoppers that occassionally stop the show cold for the wrong reasons -- a long number of romantic longing in the first act for the supporting character Roz, should get the immediate axe.
Hopefully, points Parton will continue to work towards as she further discovers her musical theatre voice.
But what the show lacks in craft, it makes up for in fun and is aided greatly here by the staging of Joe Mantello and Andy Blankenbuehler and a cast that nearly perfectly musically embodies the endearing characters from the film.
Mark Kudisch is a barrel chested dead ringer for Dabney Coleman (and god love any actor that has to spend so much of any musical besides Peter Pan suspended in a flying harness).
The above mentioned Megan Hilty is pretty perfect and the show has a true star in Allison Janey as Violet, who does the best job of the three at paying homage to the film roots of her character but finding new layers in her interpretation.
I rather wish an actress with a more distinct theatrical presense was called upon to play the initially 'non discript' Judy Bernley, but Stephanie Block acclimates herself well and of course sings incredibly.
The book needs some tightening too and there are several superflous characters (Hart's wife, Violet's son) who are given a set-up with no pay-off -- but with six months of work ahead of them, I think the show looks good to be a modest, crowed pleasing hit in April. I for one definitely look forward to seeing it again.
Updated On: 10/16/08 at 03:24 AM
#2re: Thoughts on 9 TO 5: 8/15/08
Posted: 10/16/08 at 3:33am
I couldn't agree with you more, MB.
When I left the theatre.. There was a distinct wrestle with my heart and my head.
I knew it was flawed... majorly flawed.. but my heart said.. this show has spirit and feeling. More so than many so called "solid" shows.
I too look forward to seeing it again.
Whatever problems it may have can easily be hurdled. It is a matter of the writers rolling up their sleeves and injecting some craft.
LePetiteFromage
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/19/08
#3re: Thoughts on 9 TO 5: 8/15/08
Posted: 10/16/08 at 10:21am
Michael- well written! Thanks for your thoughts... and I'm glad to hear Steph was back in the show last night (though everything I've read and heard about Gaelen so far has been wonderful! Kudos for stepping into those Judy shoes!)
If I didn't have to work I'd try and catch the matinee today. I'm guessing a lot of people either don't know about it or can't go during the day. Probably the best bet for a decent $20 seat. I am so tempted to catch the show one last time before Sunday!
Videos