Shine Like the Sun

9 to 5 The Musical – Firebrand Theatre

 

Most everyone has enjoyed the original 1980’s film version, which starred Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. It’s become a classic and was one of the first movies to celebrate girl power within the male-dominated world of big business. The story tells about three female employees who tire of the chauvinist behavior of their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” of a boss. They decide to kidnap and hold him captive in his own home, while making a lot of positive, progressive changes in company policies. The movie was a runaway hit when it opened. Ms. Parton, who starred in the film, and also wrote and sang its catchy, popular title tune, partnered with Patricia Resnick, one of the original screenwriters, to bring their hit film to the stage. The resulting musical is a more mixed blessing.

This story is dated, but can still be enjoyed today as an entertaining, escapist musical, or it can be viewed as a tale of “look how far we’ve come.” In New York, Resnick’s book was choppy and cinematic in its 2009 production; but Artistic Director Harmony France, who takes the reins for this production, has focused more on the storytelling, the feminism and the music. The director’s technical team has helped to make this production more intimate. Whereas Broadway sacrificed plot for overpowering scenery and special effects, Ms. France’s production is much simpler and character driven.

 Set Designer Eleanor Kahn, however, has created a problem by placing Mr. Hart’s office, the central scenic demand, at the far end of the stage. It’s also set at the top of a series of precarious steps, making every ascent and descent by actors wearing 3” heels, look frighteningly unsafe. All the scenes staged there feel far removed from the audience. The downstage area is used for chorus numbers, smartly allowing those scenes to play right into the theatergoer’s lap. Ms. France makes the production feel even more intimate by including many of her multitalented ensemble as rotating members of the show’s exceptional country band.  

Dolly Parton’s music for this show (aside from her hit title song) isn’t as memorable as some Broadway scores, although many of the tunes are cheerful, toe-tapping fun. Some songs, however, like the touching “Backwoods Barbie,” beautifully sung by Doralee, the infectious, country-gospel infused ensemble number, “Shine Like the Sun” and the love duet, “Let Love Grow” can stand truly on their own.

But it’s this musically gifted cast, coupled with Ms. France’s creative direction and Kasey Alfonso’s energetic choreography, that infuses this production. Tiny desks adorned with typewriters  roll on and off the stage like rush hour traffic on Milwaukee Avenue. Alfonzo’s stylized ’80’s dance steps blend surprisingly with scenic changes like a well-oiled machine. Backed by Andra Velis Simon’s superb rockabilly band, every single cast member dances and sings; and Virginia Varland’s costume creativity blossoms in an array of period pieces.

There are no weak links in this cast. Sara Reinecke proves that she’s one of Chicago’s finest actor/singers. As Judy, Ms. Reinecke journeys from a shy, insecure divorcee to a strong, independent woman, capable of telling her ex-husband, in song, to “Get Out and Stay Out.” This is one of the production’s best numbers. In addition to a flawlessly trained voice, Ms. Reinecke uses her expressive face to say even more than her words. 

Sharriese Hamilton plays the role Dolly Parton made famous in the film. As Doralee, she’s a sweet, spunky, wholesome country girl. Ms. Hamilton’s young secretary just wants to be known at the office as more than a pretty face and sexy body. And this actress can belt out a song like no one else, sparkling with warmth and sincerity in every one of her scenes. 

Anne Sheridan Smith (who resembles a young Nora Dunn) is a powerhouse feminist as Violet. She’s the central character whose hard work goes unrecognized or passed-over for promotions, in favor of the lesser-skilled members of the Boys Club. This talented actress is the glue that holds this production together, demonstrating her considerable musical talent in numbers like “One of the Boys.” 

Other standouts include Scott Danielson, as smarmy, womanizing boss Franklin Hart, Jr.; Veronica Garza, so sensational as Hart’s prim, righthand gal Roz; Michael Turrentine is affable as Violet’s adoring junior accountant, Joe; and excellent Elizabeth Morgan, so dryly deadpan is funny as boozy Margaret. Royen Kent is charming as Doralee’s boyfriend and Ted Kitterman, playing Mr. Tinsworthy, is strong as an unexpected hero for all the women’s good work.  

“9 to 5” is the year’s final production from this unique feminist theatre company, as they finish their inaugural season. The theme of Dolly Parton’s fizzy and funny musical plays right into Firebrand’s mission. But it’s really the terrific casting, gorgeous vocals and talented musical accompaniment that make this production “shine like the sun.”

      

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

 

Presented April 10-May 20 by Firebrand Theatre at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, in their Bookspan venue.

Tickets are available at the Den box office, by calling  773-697-3830 or by going to www.firebrandtheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.