REVIEW
SODS
present
9-5 the Musical
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
30th October - 2nd November 2024
SODS
present
9-5 the Musical
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
30th October - 2nd November 2024
The phrase Nine-to-Five conjures images of the drudge and tedium of the mundane workplace. Contrastingly, 9 to 5 The Musical, despite having this exact setting, is an upbeat, very humorous and fun-filled musical, that explores serious and thought provoking themes such as misogyny, sexism, unfaithfulness and domestic abuse, in the context of three friends who find unity and power and are galvanised in their common fight to be seen, recognised and appreciated in the workplace, instead of being belittled and abused. Initially, they might be outranked and so outgunned, but they are far from dominated or even subdued.
Based on the iconic 1980's film, which in turn was based on the novel by Patricia Resnick, it follows the working and personal lives of three female 'secretaries' who are daily subjected to their CEO's, Franklin Hart Jr, abuse, misogyny, sexism, egotistical arrogance and out-of-the-ark-jobs-for-the-boys-bigotry.
Through an accidental twist of events, they think they've poisoned him, mistakenly abduct a corpse they believe to be him, go on to actually abduct and hold him captive, and continue to run the company. During their unofficial tenure the soon to be triumphant trio issue memo after memo, implementing initiatives benefiting employees, while consequently raising company productivity by 20%.
This production by SODS (Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society) onWednesday 30th October till Saturday 2nd November 2024, at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, is a slick, laugh-out-loud and well-performed amateur production.
The on-stage chemistry of the three leading ladies is unmissable.
Ashley-Marie Stone perfectly embodies Violet, a strong and capable woman who is stifled, if not suffocated, by her boss and so struggles with her work environment. She produces a confident and strong vocal that echo her on-stage character, together with great characterisation and impressive dance moves, particularly in ‘One of the Boys’ and 'Around Here'.
Doralee, complete with impressively convincing 'Dolly' quirks, not least the Southern droll, is hilariously delivered by Katey Flaherty with very good vocals to match.
The journey from the brow-beaten, newly divorced Judy is excellently portrayed by Charlotte Cavedasca. Her performance is very effectively nuanced, conveying the lacking-in-confidence newbie at Consolidated Industries, but journeying to a fabulously assertive woman, climaxing in the show-stopping Get Out and Stay Out.
Speaking of show stopping, the somewhat stiff, rule promoting company woman in Roz Keith, so effectively played by Sam Coles, was a revelation. Her infatuation with the despicable Frank Hart, unfurled gradually, crescendo-ing to some fabulously explosive sass in Heart to Hart. (I'm sure I saw folks reaching for their drinks clearly trying to regain some composure!)
One knows a villain is well played when you instinctively 'hate' him and like him at the same time. Simon Lambert's offering of Frank Hart Jr, the abusive misogynist, did exactly this. Every ounce of comedic innuendo was extracted, which caused in me both repulsion and laughter.
These sterling performances were wonderfully supported by an energetic and very talented company and ensemble who all deserve their very own “That a girl!” (even the guys!) -not least Margaret (hic!) played by Rosanna Wood.
The vocal harmonies, the featured dance and ensemble all magnificently accompanied by the pit musicians under the direction of James Green, created a huge sound, together with dramatic and artistic contrast in this portrayal of the ups and downs, but sadly at its core realistic caricature of life for women in the late 1970's.
The work place has changed immensely since then; computers, automation, flexible working, increased equality and better maternity/paternity rights to name a few. However, the drum for all sorts of equality, including gender equality, still has to be banged. Books and shows like 9 to 5 were, and still are, instrumental in this.
Dolly Parton’s ultra catchy music and clever lyrics capture the essence of Patricia Resnick’s book brilliantly but without excellent technicians, musicians and expert choreography, dramatic and musical direction and a whole host of other roles, this fun-filled, mood-lifting treat of a production by SODS, is an impossibility. Bravo Sydney Price (Artistic Director), Ben Blackburn (Choreography), James Green (Musical Director) et al.
This production of 9 To 5 The Musical, a fantastically entertaining and splendidly performed production, won't fail to lift your spirit while making you laugh, squirm, and perhaps even think.
Review: Chas Sludden
Based on the iconic 1980's film, which in turn was based on the novel by Patricia Resnick, it follows the working and personal lives of three female 'secretaries' who are daily subjected to their CEO's, Franklin Hart Jr, abuse, misogyny, sexism, egotistical arrogance and out-of-the-ark-jobs-for-the-boys-bigotry.
Through an accidental twist of events, they think they've poisoned him, mistakenly abduct a corpse they believe to be him, go on to actually abduct and hold him captive, and continue to run the company. During their unofficial tenure the soon to be triumphant trio issue memo after memo, implementing initiatives benefiting employees, while consequently raising company productivity by 20%.
This production by SODS (Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society) onWednesday 30th October till Saturday 2nd November 2024, at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, is a slick, laugh-out-loud and well-performed amateur production.
The on-stage chemistry of the three leading ladies is unmissable.
Ashley-Marie Stone perfectly embodies Violet, a strong and capable woman who is stifled, if not suffocated, by her boss and so struggles with her work environment. She produces a confident and strong vocal that echo her on-stage character, together with great characterisation and impressive dance moves, particularly in ‘One of the Boys’ and 'Around Here'.
Doralee, complete with impressively convincing 'Dolly' quirks, not least the Southern droll, is hilariously delivered by Katey Flaherty with very good vocals to match.
The journey from the brow-beaten, newly divorced Judy is excellently portrayed by Charlotte Cavedasca. Her performance is very effectively nuanced, conveying the lacking-in-confidence newbie at Consolidated Industries, but journeying to a fabulously assertive woman, climaxing in the show-stopping Get Out and Stay Out.
Speaking of show stopping, the somewhat stiff, rule promoting company woman in Roz Keith, so effectively played by Sam Coles, was a revelation. Her infatuation with the despicable Frank Hart, unfurled gradually, crescendo-ing to some fabulously explosive sass in Heart to Hart. (I'm sure I saw folks reaching for their drinks clearly trying to regain some composure!)
One knows a villain is well played when you instinctively 'hate' him and like him at the same time. Simon Lambert's offering of Frank Hart Jr, the abusive misogynist, did exactly this. Every ounce of comedic innuendo was extracted, which caused in me both repulsion and laughter.
These sterling performances were wonderfully supported by an energetic and very talented company and ensemble who all deserve their very own “That a girl!” (even the guys!) -not least Margaret (hic!) played by Rosanna Wood.
The vocal harmonies, the featured dance and ensemble all magnificently accompanied by the pit musicians under the direction of James Green, created a huge sound, together with dramatic and artistic contrast in this portrayal of the ups and downs, but sadly at its core realistic caricature of life for women in the late 1970's.
The work place has changed immensely since then; computers, automation, flexible working, increased equality and better maternity/paternity rights to name a few. However, the drum for all sorts of equality, including gender equality, still has to be banged. Books and shows like 9 to 5 were, and still are, instrumental in this.
Dolly Parton’s ultra catchy music and clever lyrics capture the essence of Patricia Resnick’s book brilliantly but without excellent technicians, musicians and expert choreography, dramatic and musical direction and a whole host of other roles, this fun-filled, mood-lifting treat of a production by SODS, is an impossibility. Bravo Sydney Price (Artistic Director), Ben Blackburn (Choreography), James Green (Musical Director) et al.
This production of 9 To 5 The Musical, a fantastically entertaining and splendidly performed production, won't fail to lift your spirit while making you laugh, squirm, and perhaps even think.
Review: Chas Sludden
At the end of their tether, three female co-workers - Violet, Judy and Doralee - devise a plot to get even with their sexist, arrogant, lying, bigot of a boss, Franklin Hart.
Will the ladies manage to reform their workplace – or will their plan spiral when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?
Set in the late 70s and inspired by the iconic 1980 film, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton herself, and book by Patricia Resnick, this fun, thought provoking and romantic musical tells the story of friendship, and what women can do when they come together and take back control.
Will the ladies manage to reform their workplace – or will their plan spiral when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?
Set in the late 70s and inspired by the iconic 1980 film, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton herself, and book by Patricia Resnick, this fun, thought provoking and romantic musical tells the story of friendship, and what women can do when they come together and take back control.
MEET THE DIRECTOR & CAST
The cast in rehearsal Photos: @EmmaStowPhotography
Sydney Price, 28, from Basildon is Directing 9-5 the Musical for SODS
How long have you been a member of SODS / Why did you join?
I first became involved with SODS in 2023 as Assistant Director on their production of Nativity
What was the last play/musical you saw
The last musical I saw was Mean Girls in the West end. Incredible!
If you could play any role, what would it be?
If I could play any role, at the moment it would be Franklin Hart in 9 to 5! Or Kate in The Wild Party, which I’d also love to direct.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
When I’m not at rehearsals I can be found in Waterstones browsing more books than I have time to read.
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
My favourite part of the show is Violet's closing statement delivered to Hart and Tinsworthy. It encompasses the female experience in the corporate world wonderfully.
What is your favourite dressing room item?
My favourite dressing room item is a speaker. Some good 80’s dance floor classics to get you pumped before going on stage always goes down a treat!
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
The best costume I’ve ever worn was playing one of the angels in Anything Goes. I wish it was acceptable to walk around in a sailor’s outfit.
Why do you think people should see the show?
I remember the feeling I first had when I watched 9 to 5, and I left that theatre feeling absolutely wonderful. The talent that went into creating this piece of theatre is incredible. With a Dolly Parton score, and an incredible message of the power of sisterhood. Why shouldn’t you!
I first became involved with SODS in 2023 as Assistant Director on their production of Nativity
What was the last play/musical you saw
The last musical I saw was Mean Girls in the West end. Incredible!
If you could play any role, what would it be?
If I could play any role, at the moment it would be Franklin Hart in 9 to 5! Or Kate in The Wild Party, which I’d also love to direct.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
When I’m not at rehearsals I can be found in Waterstones browsing more books than I have time to read.
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
My favourite part of the show is Violet's closing statement delivered to Hart and Tinsworthy. It encompasses the female experience in the corporate world wonderfully.
What is your favourite dressing room item?
My favourite dressing room item is a speaker. Some good 80’s dance floor classics to get you pumped before going on stage always goes down a treat!
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
The best costume I’ve ever worn was playing one of the angels in Anything Goes. I wish it was acceptable to walk around in a sailor’s outfit.
Why do you think people should see the show?
I remember the feeling I first had when I watched 9 to 5, and I left that theatre feeling absolutely wonderful. The talent that went into creating this piece of theatre is incredible. With a Dolly Parton score, and an incredible message of the power of sisterhood. Why shouldn’t you!
The cast in rehearsal Photo: @EmmaStowPhotography
Katey Flaherty, 37, lives in Benfleet and is playing the role of Doralee
How long have you been a member of SODs?
I've been a member of the SOD’s family for 6 months now and loving every minute of it! This will be my first (of many) show with SOD’s.
Why did you Join?
I know a few of the members who told me how lovely the group are and I also saw some of their shows and could see for myself how good the standard and talent was in the group.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
My last trip to the west end was a date night with my other half after having our baby. I am desperately trying to get him into musical theatre, so I took him to see Book Of Mormon. He loved it so win!
If you could play any role what would it be?
Reno Sweeney - Anything Goes was always at the top of my dream roles list and I was very lucky to have got the chance to play her a few years back. I would jump at the chance of playing her again though! Ado Annie is one that is on my list but I have yet had the chance to play her.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Being a mum to my 3 lovely boys or working my 9 to 5!
Tell us about the show in your own words
9 to 5 is an absolute joy of a show! Its incredibly funny but also shines a light on the dark bits of life. Its so lovely to watch the 3 main ladies journeys and watch them grow as the show goes on. Violet who dreams of becoming a female CEO is a widow and a single mother working her butt off and constantly being leapfrogged by men at work. Its Judy’s first day at her first ever office job. She has lived her life serving her husband trying to make a happy home for him only for him to leave her for his younger secretary. And Doralee who is desperate to make friends but is misunderstood by all of the other girls at work and is fed up of being treated like a piece of meat by her leering boss. It is incredibly uplifting and inspirational as well as being fun and thoroughly entertaining! Dolly Parton has written all the music for the show and it shows because every song is a banger!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
My favourite part of the show is the end of act one when the 3 ladies sing “Shine Like The Sun” whilst tying up their egotistical boss and stuffing him in the boot of violets car! Every time I sing the song it moves me. The song itself is beautiful, inspirational and uplifting, but it is sung at a pivotal part of the show where the woman are finally taking control of their lives and sticking it to the man!
Describe your character in 3 words
Sweet, Sexy, Misunderstood
How do you learn your lines?
My son Bertie is great at helping me by reading in all the other parts for me!
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Sutton Foster is an absolute goddess!
Have you ever had a stage mishap?
When I was 7 I was in a pantomime and was playing a squirrel. It was my big solo where I was trying to distract the evil queen with a feather duster whilst singing "Hey Big Spender," when I fell into the orchestra pit! Luckily I was unharmed and they lifted me back on stage and I finished my song! The audience thought it was part of the show and fund it hilarious luckily!
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Sweets! Sweets are everything during show week!
What’s your best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
I loved my Cat in The Hat costume when I was in Seussical the Musical . But I must say Doralee's costumes have got to be some of the prettiest I’ve worn.
Why do you think people should come and see the show?
Its such a fun – feel good show! It’s the sort of show that the audience will leave feeling hyped and inspired. If you don’t have a smile on your face when you leave, then I'll give you your money back! Its also worth coming to see the amazing cast as every single one of them are so so talented and have worked so hard to make this show as brilliant as I promise it is!
I've been a member of the SOD’s family for 6 months now and loving every minute of it! This will be my first (of many) show with SOD’s.
Why did you Join?
I know a few of the members who told me how lovely the group are and I also saw some of their shows and could see for myself how good the standard and talent was in the group.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
My last trip to the west end was a date night with my other half after having our baby. I am desperately trying to get him into musical theatre, so I took him to see Book Of Mormon. He loved it so win!
If you could play any role what would it be?
Reno Sweeney - Anything Goes was always at the top of my dream roles list and I was very lucky to have got the chance to play her a few years back. I would jump at the chance of playing her again though! Ado Annie is one that is on my list but I have yet had the chance to play her.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Being a mum to my 3 lovely boys or working my 9 to 5!
Tell us about the show in your own words
9 to 5 is an absolute joy of a show! Its incredibly funny but also shines a light on the dark bits of life. Its so lovely to watch the 3 main ladies journeys and watch them grow as the show goes on. Violet who dreams of becoming a female CEO is a widow and a single mother working her butt off and constantly being leapfrogged by men at work. Its Judy’s first day at her first ever office job. She has lived her life serving her husband trying to make a happy home for him only for him to leave her for his younger secretary. And Doralee who is desperate to make friends but is misunderstood by all of the other girls at work and is fed up of being treated like a piece of meat by her leering boss. It is incredibly uplifting and inspirational as well as being fun and thoroughly entertaining! Dolly Parton has written all the music for the show and it shows because every song is a banger!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
My favourite part of the show is the end of act one when the 3 ladies sing “Shine Like The Sun” whilst tying up their egotistical boss and stuffing him in the boot of violets car! Every time I sing the song it moves me. The song itself is beautiful, inspirational and uplifting, but it is sung at a pivotal part of the show where the woman are finally taking control of their lives and sticking it to the man!
Describe your character in 3 words
Sweet, Sexy, Misunderstood
How do you learn your lines?
My son Bertie is great at helping me by reading in all the other parts for me!
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Sutton Foster is an absolute goddess!
Have you ever had a stage mishap?
When I was 7 I was in a pantomime and was playing a squirrel. It was my big solo where I was trying to distract the evil queen with a feather duster whilst singing "Hey Big Spender," when I fell into the orchestra pit! Luckily I was unharmed and they lifted me back on stage and I finished my song! The audience thought it was part of the show and fund it hilarious luckily!
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Sweets! Sweets are everything during show week!
What’s your best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
I loved my Cat in The Hat costume when I was in Seussical the Musical . But I must say Doralee's costumes have got to be some of the prettiest I’ve worn.
Why do you think people should come and see the show?
Its such a fun – feel good show! It’s the sort of show that the audience will leave feeling hyped and inspired. If you don’t have a smile on your face when you leave, then I'll give you your money back! Its also worth coming to see the amazing cast as every single one of them are so so talented and have worked so hard to make this show as brilliant as I promise it is!
The cast in rehearsal Photo: @EmmaStowPhotography
Simon Lambert, 48, from Rayleigh, is playing the role of Franklin Hart
How long have you been a member of SODS / Why did you join?
Officially since November 2022 – I was hired in June 2022 as a Director for their production of Oliver which performed at the Palace in Oct 2022 and loved them so much I joined for Sound of Music.
What was the last play/musical you saw
CAODS production of The Wedding Singer which I loved! My last West End musical was being dragged by my daughter to see Mean Girls at the Savoy which was great!
If you could play any role, what would it be?
Such a difficult question as there are so many. Miss Saigon is my favourite musical and so if I could turn back time then I would play Chris!!!
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
My next passion after my family and performing is History so you will often find me exploring a historical landmark/castle or watching a riveting historical documentary to relax (my daughter thinks I am incredibly boring which is why I drag her with me lol!)
Tell us about the show in your own words
This show is written by the great Dolly Parton herself which should tell you enough about why this show is a firm favourite amongst fans! It’s an inspiring story about the journey of 3 strong women who overcome a world of sexism, chauvinism, and predatory behaviour from their boss (me) to come out on top and prove that they do not need a man to be validated! It’s funny, heartwarming and inspiring with amazing tunes, dance numbers and performances from the cast.
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
I spend most of the second act tied up which is not fun so my fave part before the incarceration is my one number in the show ‘Here For You’ and I love it – it’s so inappropriate and a world away from who I am or the type of characters I normally play. Overall though ‘I Just Might’ is my fave number performed excellently by the 3 leading ladies and the cast!
Describe your character in ‘9 to 5’ in 3 words
Sexist, Egotistical, Bigot (taken right from the script!)
How do you learn your lines?
It used to be good old fashioned repetition at home and running the scene in rehearsals, but Katey (Doralee) introduced me to the app Line Learner and that has been a game changer for this show!!!
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
It’s got to be Dame Judi Dench. I love her ability to emote, her dry comedy and her range of work!
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
I have had many – mainly when on stage with my wife Emma. We were playing teenagers (yes a long while ago) opposite each other in A Slice of Saturday Night and the last number was a close harmony duet which required us to slow dance throughout. After the first chorus the close harmony gradually crumbled, the giggles began and we couldn’t recover so spent the next 3 minutes of the song just slow dancing
What is your favourite dressing room item?
I always have a packet of Extra Strong Mints – I am very considerate to my fellow performers by being minty fresh!
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
I have had some shockers but I think my fave was when I played Gomez Addams in The Addams Family. It’s such an iconic look when you had the whole family together!
Why do you think people should see the show?
The cast and creatives have worked so hard to bring a professional production to the stage – where else can you see such quality theatre at these prices! It’s such a fun, feelgood show with a strong message that almost every adult will be able to relate to.
Officially since November 2022 – I was hired in June 2022 as a Director for their production of Oliver which performed at the Palace in Oct 2022 and loved them so much I joined for Sound of Music.
What was the last play/musical you saw
CAODS production of The Wedding Singer which I loved! My last West End musical was being dragged by my daughter to see Mean Girls at the Savoy which was great!
If you could play any role, what would it be?
Such a difficult question as there are so many. Miss Saigon is my favourite musical and so if I could turn back time then I would play Chris!!!
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
My next passion after my family and performing is History so you will often find me exploring a historical landmark/castle or watching a riveting historical documentary to relax (my daughter thinks I am incredibly boring which is why I drag her with me lol!)
Tell us about the show in your own words
This show is written by the great Dolly Parton herself which should tell you enough about why this show is a firm favourite amongst fans! It’s an inspiring story about the journey of 3 strong women who overcome a world of sexism, chauvinism, and predatory behaviour from their boss (me) to come out on top and prove that they do not need a man to be validated! It’s funny, heartwarming and inspiring with amazing tunes, dance numbers and performances from the cast.
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
I spend most of the second act tied up which is not fun so my fave part before the incarceration is my one number in the show ‘Here For You’ and I love it – it’s so inappropriate and a world away from who I am or the type of characters I normally play. Overall though ‘I Just Might’ is my fave number performed excellently by the 3 leading ladies and the cast!
Describe your character in ‘9 to 5’ in 3 words
Sexist, Egotistical, Bigot (taken right from the script!)
How do you learn your lines?
It used to be good old fashioned repetition at home and running the scene in rehearsals, but Katey (Doralee) introduced me to the app Line Learner and that has been a game changer for this show!!!
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
It’s got to be Dame Judi Dench. I love her ability to emote, her dry comedy and her range of work!
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
I have had many – mainly when on stage with my wife Emma. We were playing teenagers (yes a long while ago) opposite each other in A Slice of Saturday Night and the last number was a close harmony duet which required us to slow dance throughout. After the first chorus the close harmony gradually crumbled, the giggles began and we couldn’t recover so spent the next 3 minutes of the song just slow dancing
What is your favourite dressing room item?
I always have a packet of Extra Strong Mints – I am very considerate to my fellow performers by being minty fresh!
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
I have had some shockers but I think my fave was when I played Gomez Addams in The Addams Family. It’s such an iconic look when you had the whole family together!
Why do you think people should see the show?
The cast and creatives have worked so hard to bring a professional production to the stage – where else can you see such quality theatre at these prices! It’s such a fun, feelgood show with a strong message that almost every adult will be able to relate to.
Below: The cast in rehearsal
All photo credits: Emma Stow Photography
All photo credits: Emma Stow Photography
