Don’t let the title fool you. Saskatoon Summer Players’ production of 9 to 5 at the Remai Arts Centre is anything but a depressing-but-necessary corporate gig. Filled with countless mass-ensemble and dance numbers, a wonderfully ridiculous yet relevant plot, and some major talent, 9 to 5 will have you tapping your toe all night long.
Based on the 1980 movie of the same title, 9 to 5 tells the story of three women from different walks of life and their struggle with their misogynistic and, frankly, sleazy boss. It covers topics such as female friendship, sexual harassment, workplace environments and romance, all while dressed up in catchy songs, entertaining physical comedy and ridiculously funny dream sequences.
Dolly Parton herself (or at least, a pre-recorded version of her) guides the audience into the opening number of the show – the popular “9 to 5” song itself – and the world of 1970s corporate America.
Between the thirty onstage and dozen orchestral performers, local talent proves themselves to be spectacular at what they do. A well-rehearsed dance ensemble performs eye-catching choreography. The vocal ensemble sings cohesively and successfully rises to the challenge of performing in the majority of the show.
The three leading ladies (not girls!) on Friday night, played by Jen Duggleby as Violet, Robin Burlingham as Judy, and Celeste Nicholson as Doralee, truly shine in their roles as fed-up-with-the-status-quo feminists. Each of these three performers present some heart-wrenching moments throughout the show.
Kudos goes to Matthew Olson, who plays the sleazy boss Mr. Hart, for making the audience extremely uncomfortable with his treatment of employees within seconds of his first entrance, but also adding levity to the role through his cartoonish, high school bully antics.
One performer in particular, Aron DoSouto as Roz (Mr. Hart’s assistant), steals the first act with his hilarious and sexy rendition of “Heart to Hart” that nobody saw coming.
During a rather long first act, the multitude of scene and set changes feel tedious and, at times, too long. The audience is left sitting in the dark watching silhouettes move onstage seemingly every few minutes.
The orchestra is mic’d in from a different room within the building, which is an impressive feat in itself. Sometimes, however, it drowns out singers with its volume.
Besides those tech issues, Saskatoon Summer Players has put together an impressive production that is deserving of its nearly sold-out run. For its first live, in-person performance since the pandemic, 9 to 5 proves to be a triumphant return to live theatre for SSP.
Did we mention 9 to 5 is double cast? You may need to go twice!
This review is based on the Friday, June 24th performance of the Orange Cast. Saskatoon Summer Players’ production of 9 to 5 runs until July 3rd at the Remai Arts Centre. Tickets are available at https://persephonetheatre.org/event/9-to-5-9/.
