Music Theatre of Connecticut’s (MTC) “9-5 The Musical,” is based on the 1980 movie which featured Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. Although the musical is set in the 1970’s and is about workplace exploitation, MTC Co-Directors Kevin Connors and Jim Schilling couldn’t have chosen to revive it at a better time — the 250th anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence.
At MTC we have blond, buxom Hannah Bonnet as “Doralee” (Dolly Parton’s former role), Gina Lamparella (“Violet”) and Elissa Demaria (“Judy).” If you have any social anxieties these Three Female Musketeers” will surely vanquish them as they plot to overcome their lecherous boss “Hart,” played by Joe Cassidy. However, the girls have to first overcome senior employee, Robin Lounsbury (“Roz”) who is hopelessly in love with Boss Hart.
Amy Griffin directs the exciting ensemble of singing actors. “Joy to the Girls” with Bonnet, Lamparella, Demarian and Cassidy and “Heart to Heart,” featuring the very forlorn Robin Lounsbury are just a couple of outstanding musical numbers.
Zachary Anderson conducts the lively band. Diane Vanderkroef provides the sparkling costumes and the carefully timed choreography is by Clint Hromsco. Speaking about choreography, MTC has a small performing space and this musical requires two different office sets. The frequent, split-second on and off moving of various desks and chairs by entering and exiting actors are dizzying.
This is a loud, sexy, slapstick show. See it for the fun contained in it.
