Dolly Parton’s hit West End Musical -9 to 5 has finally arrived at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre until 2 July. Whether you remember the 80’s film or not, this musical is a toe-tapping night of fun.
Remaining close to the original movie released in 1980, this movie adds some wonderful musical numbers, impressive dance sequences and a bit more raunchiness.
The cast was spectacular in these iconic and much-loved roles.
Marina Prior plays Violet Newstead, a smart, sassy and efficient woman who has worked all her life at Consolidated Industries. She has all it takes to run the company but there is one small issue … her boss!
Casey Donovan will be Judy Bernly, a newly separated, never-worked-before young woman who finds more than just a job at Consolidated Industries. Casey sparkles in every scene throughout the whole show. In my opinion, her acting in the role is better than the original Jane Fonda, and her singing was goosebumps-inducing next-level brilliant.
Erin Clare will play Doralee Rhodes, a ‘don’t mess with me’ well-brought-up, bright and beautiful country gal. She may look like a pushover but she is anything but! She was fabulous playing the role made famous by Dolly Parton.
Caroline O’Connor plays busy-body Roz Keith, the administrative assistant who is fiercely – and unrequitedly – in love with her boss Franklin Hart Jnr.
Eddie Perfect will play the controlling boss Franklin Hart Jnr. Eddie was soo much fun in this role. I mostly know Eddie from his work on Offspring, and although he has an impressive musical background I didn’t realise just how dripping with talent he is. (Eddie performed in Keating! The Musical, Misanthropology, The Threepenny Opera and Shane Warne The Musical, which he wrote himself. In 2019, Eddie wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway premiere of Beetlejuice, for which he was nominated for Best Original Score at the 2019 Tony Awards).
Completing the cast are Lily Baulderstone, Ana Maria Belo, Zoe Coppinger, Mia DabkowskiChandler, Ben Gillespie, Emma Hawthorne, James Haxby, Emma Johns, Jay Johns, Ethan Jones, Antonia Marr, Josh Mulheran, Tom New, Jake O’Brien, Matthew Prime, Jackson Reedman, Jordan Tomljenovic and Jessica Vellucci. The ensemble cast is fabulous, the choreography is so clever with the incorporation of some classic 80’s dance moves.
“I am so excited that Marina, Casey and Erin will be playing Violet, Judy and Doralee alongside Caroline and Eddie in the Australian cast of 9 TO 5,” said Dolly Parton. “The response to 9 TO 5 from around the world has been incredible so far. I can’t wait for everyone down under to have a fun (and funny!) night out at 9 TO 5.” Dolly Parton is definitely not forgotten from this movie and is included throughout in a fun and clever way (although I won’t spoil it for you!).
The themes and story of 9 to 5 of gender pay equity, workplace bullying and harassment, continue to be just as relevant today. So if you are sick of your 9 to 5 and need a bit of an escape I definitely recommend getting tickets to this musical.
BRISBANE SEASON DETAILS
Venue Lyric Theatre, QPAC Season From 22 May
Performance Times Wed 6:30pm, Thurs-Sat 7.30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm
Prices: From $69.00 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: 9to5themusical.com.au or phone 136 246 Groups 8+ call (07) 3840 7466
