When people hear the words “9 to 5,” they picture workers trapped in a dreary cubicle office job. However, the more optimistic among us think of Dolly Parton’s classic song and the movie that inspired it.
Beaumont Community Players is presenting their rendition of “9-5: The Musical” through Sept. 30 and it is a hilarious, thought-provoking, and entertaining look at the role of women in the workplace.
The story begins in 1979 at a stereotypical company where the workday is long, and the pay is low. Along with that, there is a plethora of gender discrimination and sexism in the workplace. The main problem is the man in charge; Franklin Hart (Patrick Anderson).
The musical focuses on three women the office. Judy Bernley (Caroline Barnett) is a recently divorced woman who's never had to work to provide for herself before. Doralee Rhodes (Alexandria Lewis) is Hart’s secretary, who is looked down upon by her co-workers after Hart spread rumors the pair are having a secret affair. Violet Newstead (Krystal Sanchez) is a single mother who’s been overlooked for a promotion for years.
The trio rise to the occasion when an opportunity to take charge appears. Through their respected “cups of ambition,” they provide a voice for women facing issues in the workplace — issues that are still prevalent today.
Parton wrote the all the songs and they are catchy, heartwarming, and empowering. Apart from the recognizable title song, other standouts include “Get Out and Stay Out” and “Backwoods Barbie.”
Director Ashli Acevedo immerses the audience into the lives of the characters, and the setting is like opening a time capsule.
With humorous dialogue, catchy songs, and an exciting revenge story, “9-5: The Musical” is a showstopping way to start off the 2023-24 season.
Lewis’s Doralee, the Parton stand-in, is spot on when it comes to her Southern accent, and personality. It feels like we are seeing the real deal on stage, and she has plenty of opportunities to shine.
Sanchez’s Violet is a seasoned veteran of the office who is blunt and oftentimes, pessimistic. When the audience first discovers her desires for promotion, she gives the audience someone to empathize with and root for.
Barnett’s Judy is a charming character who grows and develops throughout the story. Her husband has left, and Judy is learning how to live independently for the first time. She is immediately taken under the wings of Violet and Doralee. Through their friendship and encouragement, Barnett gives us a Judy that we root for.
Anderson plays a great villain, and his Hart is hilarious as a creepy, cartoonish villain. He stops just short of twirling his mustache.
“9 to 5” a knockout production that has us laughing and cheering for its characters. It puts the women who are overlooked in the spotlight and values their contributions and hard work in their “way to make a livin.”
“9-5: The Musical” continues Sept. 22-30 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. BCP is located at 4155 Laurel Ave. in Beaumont. Tickets can be purchased at beaumontstages.com.
