Justice for Violet, Doralee and Judy (CenterStage)

May 12

4 min read

111

9 to 5 The Musical

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton

Book by Patricia Resnick

Based on the 20TH CENTURY FOX PICTURE

Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009

Directed by Erin Silliman Review by Regina Harris

Entire contents are copyright @2025 by Regina Harris. All rights reserved.

TW: this play contains adult language and themes

Anyone who remembers the 1980 movie 9 to 5 will remember Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda as three different characters with one thing in common: they all work as secretaries in a corporate office from 9 to 5, and none of them is respected in any way. One is an easy-going gal from Texas; another is a single mother trying to make it to the top; and one is putting her life back together after divorce. They all have hopes and dreams, but the corporate culture of the time disallows virtually all women from climbing the corporate ladder, unless it's to climb on a stepstool to retrieve a missing file from atop a cabinet when asked by a boss who's enjoying the view. In the capable hands of the actors, all characters spring to life with competence, strength and gusto. Each actor is well cast and knocked their performances out of the park Thursday night at JCC CenterStage.

Violet Newstead (Jillian Cain) is a laser-focused professional whose aim is to be promoted to management. Cain has a commanding stage presence and drives the story. Violet works hard, doesn't fraternize much and explains things "Around Here" to the new hires. Her voice is powerful and definitive. Doralee Rhodes (Jessica Adamson) is spot on as a Dolly Parton clone and secretary to the deeply "sexist, egotistical, lying hypocritical bigot" of a boss, Mr. Franklin Hart, Jr. (played to the hilt by Pete Lay). He is relentless in his pursuit of her "affections". Doralee is a down to earth Texan who tolerates Hart's attention but whose good-natured attitude belies her unshakeable confidence, aptly expressed in her solo, "Backwoods Barbie." Newly divorced Judy Bernly (Kirstie Buckley) rounds out the trio of women searching for success and ultimately finding their power. When Buckley reclaims her independence in "Get Out and Stay Out" the audience couldn't help but cheer her on. All actors' vocal range was truly impressive.

In a strong production rife with talented actors, other stand outs include Kathryn Alvey as Roz Keith, an officious executive secretary with an unabashed crush on Mr. Hart who spies on her coworkers from behind plants. Then she rocks the stage with a delightfully steamy song and dance number in "5 to 9" that had the crowd roaring. Austin Seely is appropriately slimy as Dick, Judy's ex. Doralee's dim but devoted husband was well-played by Chris Gatterdam. These actors, along with other characters and ensemble added lively sparkle with their excellent vocals and campy portrayals. The orchestra, as always, made wonderful music to accompany the talented cast. All the production elements from light and sound to costumes were spot on.

Director of Arts & Ideas, Erin Silliman, as always, brought us an older play that includes a few dated but fun references to "way back when" (noting new-fangled inventions such as "answering machines" and "clappers") but maintains as much, if not more, relevance today as when the statement was first made. As one who worked as a secretary in offices in the '80's, I remember this type of harassment as being just part of the job; while it still happens, it's thankfully illegal now. When companies started making sexual harassment awareness classes mandatory, many people (men and women) took it as a joke. Innuendo and "flirting" were considered harmless (mostly by aggressive men,) and should someone (read women) find that behavior offensive, they bore the burden of proving damage after such an incident. And always in the background, there was the "she asked for it" conversation, so incidents were handily tossed off. In response to the training classes, men in positions of power begrudgingly acquiesced but thankfully, awareness of harassment and the damage it causes began to spread. In 9 to 5, the ladies evince their own hilarious brand of retribution and justice, having fantasized about it in their herb-inspired GNO in "Dance of Death/Cowgirl's Revenge/Potion Notion." It was hilarious.

Silliman's goal is to present works that reminds us, "If not me, then who; if not now, then when?" Dolly Parton also questioned fairness in the workplace: "Nine to five, for service and devotion/You would think that I would deserve a fair promotion/Want to move ahead but the boss won't seem to let me/I swear sometimes that man is out to get me." Workplace equality has come a long way, thanks to women who spoke up when it was unheard of in the hopes future generations would not have to suffer those indignities.

Hopefully, changes in the workplace have provided space for the Violet's, Doralee's and Judy's now get the fair treatment all hardworking people deserve. Despite the darker subtext, CenterStage's 9 to 5 the Musical is a rollicking good time that leaves you with a sense of joy and hope "...waiting for the day your ship'll come in/And the tide's gonna turn and it's all gonna roll your way!"

9 to 5 The Musical CenterStage at the Trager Family JCC

May May 8, 10, 12, 15, 17 @7:30 pm May 11, 18 @2:00 pm