My thoughts on 9 TO 5

It's not that 9 to 5 is a bad show. For a show to be bad, or good for that matter, you would have to feel something when you walk out. To paraphrase the late, great Ed Kleban, I felt nothing.

The blame can be placed on a lot of people. Patricia Resnick for crafting a cardboard script with bad jokes, 1-d characters and no conflict. Andy Blankenbuehler for misplaced choreography. Joe Mantello for deciding to go into show business.

But it can't be placed on Dolly Parton, who has written more than a few catchy tunes which are saddled, unfortunately, with a bland script that hinders everything.

Like Pierce Brosnan in the MAMMA MIA! film, Allison Janney can't sing, and she knows it, and she sells every damn song and punch line she's given and has a great time doing it. Stephanie J. Block can't act her way out of a paper bag, but really knows how to deliver bland power ballads. Marc Kudisch wants to get the hell out alive.

Megan Hilty has a great rack, a great rear end and can sing. She glows, even if all she's doing is imitating Dolly Parton.

Lethargic pacing, with more of a focus on moving people so they don't fall into a giant trap door or get hit by a moving piece of furniture than anything of importance. I would like for Joe Mantello to give up the charade that he's a director.

My TDF seat was in the center orchestra, row S, right in the middle. Not a bad value for $40.

I el oh elled at " Joe Mantello for deciding to go into show business." I think the score sucks, though.

Not sure what part was offensive..?

I agree for the most part with you. And the Joe Mantello thing is pretty funny.

"Megan Hilty has a great rack, a great rear end"

that's a pretty derogatory way to talk about a woman, excuse me but I thought it was unnecessary to talk about her like that

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Joe Mantello for deciding to go into show business.

BWAHHAHAHA!

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that's a pretty derogatory way to talk about a woman, excuse me but I thought it was unnecessary to talk about her like that

No it's not...

Thanks yankeefan for the review. I still have really mixed feelings about seeing the show. I would go if it wasn't so ridiculously expensive. I guess I could try lotto, but I like having my tickets before going to the city. Although I've heard it was an easy win.

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Dayum. Youz be hatin.

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I've heard of Wicked. But am I supposed to be impressed by it?

I always love reading your thoughts, yankee. Thanks!

OKAYYYYYY!

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"I find it hard to believe that everybody hates wicked when its been selling out for 6 years."

Wicked has been selling out because the source material is based on a very popular story, and the show puts a lot of effort into its marketing. Not necessarily because of Joe Mantello.

Average tourists want to see fun and, if they have kids, family-friendly shows. Wicked is both of these. Additionally, tourists like the music and the special effects. They may not always pay attention to flaws in the show, such as direction. The fact that this show is a hit doesn't mean it has had superb direction. It is the result of great marketing and familiar source material, as I mentioned.

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Updated On: 8/12/09 at 01:05 AM

Afterall isn't this is what art is all about? We all have our opinions and connect to certain shows. One thing that can be said for the more commercial shows like Wicked, Lion King, etc is that they bring in audiences that otherwise might not see theatre. These shows often serve as a jumping off point for audiences to then see other shows that are maybe a little more edgy or unique. Either way, huge commercial hits help support broadway by garnering attention for the artform in general which then trickles down to other shows.

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