I’m not going to talk about it on behalf of treasures around the country, but I think Dolly is proud of the production of Osceola Arts, “9 vs. 5,” a musical based on a 1980 hit film.
Directed by Joy Belding’s energy, “9 vs. 5” features charming acting, eye-catching choreography and fun costumes. But there’s something more intangible about what makes this production shine. There is an energy that feels like Dolly Parton’s own spirit. This fun show will give you even more support.
Sometimes we get a glimpse into the pitfalls of community theatre, but only in a moment, here, genuine pleasure overcomes a bit of a drawback.
Film stars and composer, composer, composer, and showcasing the story through recorded videos. So the audience laughs before the action barely begins.
Widow Violet is the supervisor of the secretary who has been handed over multiple times for promotions. Doraly is the secretary of chauvinist boss Franklin Hart, and everyone thinks she is sleeping with him. Judy is now a new divorce and joins the workforce for the first time. Together, they take a blow for the power of women with an outrageous revenge plan against their boss.
There’s a pleasant surprise to Kate Kramer’s choreography – is it a bit of a tango? A moment! – And it helps to lift this already Bouyant show. Kimberly Murray Patel’s outfit captures the cusp style of the era and beautifully reflects the personalities of the three main women.
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Bradley Cronenwett’s lighting adds glow to fantastical production numbers. And Waylon Lemasters’ versatile set pieces create a clever office.
Carly Clark Subic has a comic talent as Office Tody Roz. Jaada Lawrence also does a great comic and delicate work, not turning alcoholic Margaret into a clown.
But it is the three women in the story center that give this show so much of a heart.
Kelly Mauro puts the fatigue of the Violet world into a putt. Laurel Melina captures Judy’s growth from a simple beginner to a calm pistol packing photo. Logan Larry then raises the Country Fried dial to 11 to embody Parton’s home obsession from the film. (She helped Anna Eilers curly hair screaming Dolly in the 1970s to do nothing else.)
All three female vocalists outperform the recorded backing tracks, showing a combination of songs and acting that all three lift the musical theatre.
Men spend a little time making an impression. As boss, Patrick Kramer avoids some oily portrayals to make his Franklin Hart a straight Dort. He is cretin and boor. It will make you cheer for everything he gets. Clint Steadman has a youthful charm and quite tenor in the only other truly important male role.
But this has been the first show ever, and of course it is. Seeing Violet, Judy and Doraly advance in their own merits, she was once considered a “porter wagoner girl,” and beautifully reflects the stories of old American women through today’s talent and intelligence. Like I said at the beginning, Dolly would be proud.
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“9-5”
Length: 2:25, including breaks: Osceola Arts, 2411 E. Ilro Bronson Memorial Highway Era: Until March 16 Cost: $25-$30 Information: osceolaarts.org
