Have one of THOSE bosses? Go see ‘9 to 5’

Actors Theatre of Indiana (ATI) closes its very successful 2024-25 season with 9 to 5 – The Musical. Based on the popular 1980 film, which featured the original title song by Dolly Parton. Ms. Parton wrote the songs and lyrics for the musical, which opened on Broadway in April, 2009.

ATI’s version, with well-crafted direction by Suzanne Fleenor and musical direction by Ginger Stoltz, is a highly entertaining offering. Starring Judy Fitzgerald as Violet, Abigail Storm as Doralee, and Devan Mathias as Judy, the show is a funny and tuneful tale of three women who have had enough of their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss, using some extreme methods to take over their workplace and install changes that turn the company into a dream employer.

(From top) Judy Fitzgerald as Violet, Abigail Storm as Doralee, and Devan Mathias as Judy. (Photos by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)

All three actresses are fantastic in their portrayals. ATI co-founder Ms. Fitzgerald is terrific leading the way as the passed-over-for-promotion-AGAIN Violet. Abigail Storm’s Dolly-infused Doralee is a hoot of a country girl, and Ms. Storm has all the sassy bravado down pat in her winning turn. Devan Mathias’ Judy finds herself in uncomfortable new territory as she manages her personal life-changes with comic, then accomplished tones. These three blend their voices in many numbers and are a pleasure to watch and to hear.

One can’t help but remember Dabney Coleman’s defining characterization in the film as egomaniac boss Franklin Hart Jr. In this production, J. Stuart Mill aptly provides an outrageous Hart in full misogynist glory. In a performance full of physical and facial comedy, Mill is a strong descendant of the original.

Featured roles are provided by Cynthia Collins as lovelorn Hart-admirer Roz Keith and Tim Hunt as sincere Violet-admirer Joe. A well-balanced troupe of ensemble members completes the cast.

Some highlights for me include Ms. Collins’ hilariously over the top “Heart to Hart” and Devan Mathias’ heartfelt “Get Out and Stay Out.” Both are showstoppers in my book.

The set by Jay Gantz, costumes by Guy Clark, plus wigs and makeup by Drew Bryson all add much to the impact of the show. Carol Worcel’s choreography is lively and crisp.

Bottom line: 9 to 5 – The Musical is a bit of fluffy entertainment – a far-fetched fantasy that details what some people might like to do to some bosses. No doubt, in the ‘80s it represented a turn toward “woman-power” and some very necessary changes that were needed. Although some of that impact has been shed, the story is still about a persistent glass ceiling and wage equality which remains a challenge today. And ATI does a wonderful job telling that story in a remarkable way.

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