A cup of ambition (Hayswood Theater)

Apr 6

2 min read

200

9 to 5 The Musical Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton Book by Patricia Resnick Directed by Allen Platt and Emily Trinkle

A review by Brian Kennedy

If Dolly Parton herself were to ever see Hayswood Theatre’s version of 9 to 5 the Musical, she’d probably be fairly happy with how it turned out.

The musical Allen Platt-directed 9 to 5, based on the 1980 namesake film, features Dolly Parton’s musical and lyrics. Parton’s prerecorded voice also cameos in the Hayswood Theatre production. The show deals with the plight of three women, Violet (Heidi Platt), Doralee (Holly Smelson) and Judy (Amy Miller), who are fed up with their egotistical, narcissist, sexist boss Franklin Hart (Jesse Brown). Hilarity and even some poignant moments eventually come after the boss is accidentally poisoned and the ladies try to cover it up.

Heidi Platt’s Violet was the de facto ringleader of the trio and effectively showed the character’s leadership qualities, taking control of the stage whenever she was on it. Heidi was especially great at showing the barely-hidden sarcasm she had toward her boss after another male received the promotion she thought was hers.

Smelson, meanwhile, was very funny with her country-based Doralee, who is fed up with Hart constantly trying to put her in compromising situations. She was wonderful during "Cowgirl’s Revenge," where her vocals alongside some energetic line dancing and tying up her boss added to the hilarity of the moment.

Finally, as the newest member of the workplace, Miller infused Judy with plenty of fun and, as her character faced a divorce and the changes that come with it, plenty of emotion. Her vocals on "I Just Might" had competing hints of pain and hope, like a Disney princess singing a sad love song.

Then, there’s Franklin Hart, the trio’s boss. Brown brought forth every bit of sleaze and sexist attitude needed for the character. Brown gave copious amounts of attitude, strutting and innuendo for "Here for You." He earned his laughs and made Hart an effective antagonist against the women.

Other characters had wonderful moments in the spotlight as well. Cara Cashon, as fellow worker Margaret, had very funny one-liners as her character enjoyed a “liquid diet.” Bethany Barno, as Roz, was delightfully raunchy during "Heart to Hart", dancing about the stage spelling out her feelings for the boss.

As a whole, however, the ensemble was a little inconsistent with energy. For most of the numbers, the ensemble performed adequately. Yet, the namesake opening number and, especially, Act II opener "One of the Boys," while fine vocally, could have benefited from more expression, passion for the dancing. Then again, the way too loud prerecorded music on both of those songs may have contributed to that.

Hayswood Theatre has a pretty good show with 9 to 5 the musical, certainly worthy of a drive out to Corydon, IN.

9 to 5 The Musical Hayswood Theater April 3-13 2025 115 S Capitol Ave Corydon, IN hayswoodtheatre.org