9 to 5 4/9: Great Show!!

[hmpeterson]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 9:37am

What a great time I had at "9 to 5" last night. I hadn't seen a show in previews so I was curious to see if there were any hiccups or differences. The show went off without a hitch except during the middle of the first act towards the end of "I Just Might", the microphones went out. When the next scene opens Maria starts talking to Margaret about salaries, and the mics are still off. So off stage you hear "ALL STOP" and then the message that due to technically difficulties the show is going to take a short break. To witch the girl playing Maria says to Margaret "Ok we are going to take a little break." It made the cast and the audience crack up and the curtains was down for only about 10 minutes and then the show resumed with no issues.

So onto the cast performances, I thought they were fantastic. AJ, SJB, and MH were really spot on with their performances. I thought AJ and SJB did a terrific job of making the role their own and bringing great humor and timing to the part. And I loved how SJB really made Judy sympathetic but not pathetic and her number "Get Out and Stay Out" really brought down the house. And for not having a great singing voice, AJ did a great job with her number and has amazing stage presence. But for me I thought MH was a true stand out. It would be very easy to just mimic Dolly's performance from the movie. But she did a great job of making the role her own while giving the audience familiar with the movie a lot to smile at with her look and her accent. It was scary, she sounded EXACTLY like Dolly but her mannerisms were all Megan. And some people can go in and out of the accent and she never did. Marc Kudish and Kathy Fitzgerald were also very good in their roles. And Kathy's number "Heart to Hart" was also an audience pleaser. And I love Andy Karl, but his role of Joe I could take it or leave it, it was fine.

As for the songs. I enjoyed most of them. I thought some of the songs were a little awkward. "Change It" "5 to 9" and "Let Love Grow" I thought were a little weak. And "Always a Woman" could be a great number but it fell a little flat for me. The songs in Act 1 are definitely better than in Act 2. But "Backwoods Barbie" "Shine Like the Sun" "Heart to Hart" "One of the Boys" and "Get Out and Stay Out" are surely the best songs in the show.

The sets were solid. I see what people are saying now about this show having lots of technically difficulties at first with the sets because there are a lot of them and there is a lot moving around on stage at all times. But it seemed fluid with no issues and they didn't distract or take anything away from the actors.

The message of the show. Some people have said they feel the treatment of women in the workplace is dated and that the message of this show isn't as relevant any more. As someone who works in a male dominated industry, it is still relevant. Maybe not quite to the level of Franklin Hart's abuse, but it is still prevelant today. But I think the bigger message (coming from all three women) is about standing up for yourself and what you believe in. And if someone has treated you wrong, don't be afraid to confront them and stand up for what is right. In that sense, I think the show does a great job conveying that message.

All in all I think "9 to 5" is a very enjoyable show and whether you have seen the movie or not, if you want to laugh, have a great time, and see some fantastic talent on Broadway, go see this show. You will not be disappointed.

[hmpeterson]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 9:43am

One other thing...the stage door!! The entire cast came out and they were so nice! Everyone signed stuff, took pictures, and chatted up the crowd. Megan and Stephanie came out together and then Marc and Kathy. And Allison was the last to come out. And you couldn't meet a nicer group of people.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 11:27am

Happy you had a good time! I'm seeing this April 25th and couldn't be more excited!!

[jamiekennywicked]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 11:45am

I love how alison in so famous but she will still take pictures with fans! Also this is an odd question but what is the 9 to 5 curtain?

[history775]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 2:07pm

Where is the stage door? I've never been to this theater before.

[madbrian]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 2:22pm

"Also this is an odd question but what is the 9 to 5 curtain?"

The curtain is made of white telephone cords.

[BroadwayBoy2]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 2:26pm

It's so cool!

[hmpeterson]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 2:26pm

The stage door is at 45th and Broadway. When you take the escalator down from the theater go out the door and turn left toward 45th street. Follow that down to right before Broadway and it will be on your left.

They did a great job managing the stage door area and it gave everyone a chance to take pictures and get autographs.

[jamiekennywicked]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 2:29pm

Oh did anyone get a pic of the curtain

[hmpeterson]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 2:33pm

Jamie, I did not. And in response to your comment about Allison. She was so nice. She even apologized for coming out so late and thanked us for waiting. She was very professional and really wonderful to the crowd. As were all the actors. It was a really nice company!

[jamiekennywicked]

Posted: 4/10/09 at 2:41pm

I just hope the show comes to London were i can see it!