Stephanie J. Block, Allison Janney, and Megan Hilty sing their way toward revenge on their nasty boss in the light-hearted romp, "9 to 5: The Musical." (Joan Marcus)
With book by Patricia Resnick, based on her original 1980 film comedy, country music queen Dolly Parton, who won an Academy Award nomination for the title song, has created this show’s entire spate of music and lyrics, 16 new songs, in fact.
There are terrific performances by the women leads: Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block, and Megan Hilty, and the male bully boss played by Marc Kudisch.
Briefly, in an office situation, boss Franklin Hart, Jr. picks on and in various other ways takes advantage of his female employees. The three women get together and figure out how to make Franklin suffer. And they succeed.
Violet (Ms. Janney) is the office manager, helping to break in the new “girl,” Judy (Ms. Block). Judy, a recent divorcée, is quite lost, never having worked in her life, but she’ll learn. Sexy executive secretary Doralee (Ms. Hilty) is highly skilled at avoiding the sexist, egotistical Franklin’s advances. Most of the office staff think the two are sleeping together. The truth comes out as the show progresses.
As for Hart being “high-flying,” that’s quite literal, as brave actor-singer Marc Kudisch is literally hauled out of his seat at various times throughout the show and is hoisted up to the flies. Kudisch gives a wonderful performance, by the way. He gives his all, full throttle, as the nasty boss, but at the same time, manages to project an appealing charm whereby we always know it’s a light-hearted comedy. Director Joe Mantello is responsible for maintaining the spirited, swift pacing of the show.
Allison Janney brings a wry intelligence to Violet as well as showing off an elegant pair of legs in a number where she wears an abbreviated tuxedo outfit. Stephanie J. Block has a gorgeous singing voice, and Megan Hilty exudes both sexiness and feistiness. It’s great fun to see the trio as they plot together to bring down—or up—their boss, Mr. Hart.
On the production end, less might have been more. There’s so much color, so much movement, that sometimes the story gets lost.
Choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, who attracted attention and won a Tony and other theater awards for his work in “In the Heights” recently, has arguably gone “over the top” here. But you can’t help but admire the terrific dancing. The talented “gypsies” (as chorus dancers are known) appear to be having great fun.
Highly experienced, award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long has done the honors, and comes through with individualistic and appropriate attire for all the performers, with Scott Pask’s sets providing the needed backdrop for the players.
Light, frothy, and fast-moving, with fine singing and dancing. It’s a true Broadway musical.
9 to 5: The Musical
Marquis Theatre
1535 Broadway
Tickets: 212-307-4100 or www.ticketmaster.com
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Closes: Open run
Diana Barth writes and publishes “New Millennium,” an arts newsletter. She also reviews for TotalTheater.com.
