9 to 5: The Musical
Posted at 6:00 am on January 26, 2011 by ModernDayLucy
Do you ever have one of those days when you think “Gosh, I LOVE my job!”?
Wednesday night was one of those days for me! I was offered 2 tickets to see the opening night performance of Broadway in Chicago’s 9 to 5: The Musical at the Bank of America Theatre and my husband and I had a BALL!
Unlike me, the three ladies in the show, Violet, Doralee and Judy, do NOT love their jobs. They are overlooked for promotions, sexually harassed and treated like mindless drones. Finally they get fed up, take control and discover there’s nothing they can’t accomplish…together!
Now here’s where I have to make a confession–I’ve never seen the movie 9 to 5. I know–GASP! So I had nothing to judge this on. Which was fine. The musical really stood on its own two feet and I never felt like I was missing anything because I hadn’t seen the movie. (Although I am adding it my Netflix list TODAY!)
Before the show began, the stage was closed off by a curtain covered in 70′s references (the show takes place in 1979) which really helped set the mood. Once the show began, the sets, costumes and props completed the job and took the audience back to 1979. Lots of bell bottoms, winged hair and wow! The office supplies! Typewriters instead of computers. Phones without voicemail. And the biggest copy machine I’ve ever seen!
What really makes 9 to 5: The Musical so great is the acting and relationship of the three female leads. Dee Hoty and Mamie Parris were both fantastic in their roles as Violet and Judy. Dee Hoty had a wonderful dry sense of humor that kept the audience in stitches. And Mamie Parris brought the house down with “Get Out and Stay Out”. What an amazing voice!
But the person who surprised me the most was Diana DeGarmo from American
Idol Season 3. Her portrayal of Doralee Rhodes (the Dolly Parton character in the movie) was a HOOT! Playing a Dolly Parton role requires the actor to walk a fine line and Ms. DeGarmo did a fantastic job of being a little bit Dolly but also bringing her own ideas to the role.
And speaking of Dolly, SHE! WAS! THERE!!!!!!!!
Yes, Ms. Parton was at the theatre for opening night’s performance! She wrote the music for the show and Governor Quinn was also on hand to declare it Dolly Parton Day! It was an incredible surprise to see her there and she was so gracious and funny when she spoke before and after the show. To add a cherry to an already amazing evening, it was her birthday so we (the audience) sang Happy Birthday to her and she seemed truly touched.
The show starts and ends with video of Dolly Parton. At the end she says “If you liked the show, I hope you’ll go out and tell all your friends. And if you didn’t, keep your big mouth shut!”
Well, we truly enjoyed the show and I’m telling you now–Don’t miss it!
9 to 5: The Musical is in Chicago at the Bank of America Theatre until January 30. You can find ticket information at Broadway in Chicago.
Disclaimer: I was given 2 tickets to 9 to 5:The Musical, but there was no expectation of a review. As always, all opinions are my own.
**This post originally appeared on Macaroni Kid Chicago Loop.
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