By Becky Evans
I had the pleasure of attending opening night of 9-5 at Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Washington Terrace (which is near North Ogden). Beverly’s Playhouse is an intimate venue with seating on three sides of the stage. They have undergone some nice improvements and plan to update the seating this year. 9-5 is a musical with music and lyrics written by Dolly Parton and based on the 1980’s movie of the same name about three unlikely friends working in the same office fighting for gender equality. Set in 1979, it tells a story of friendship and revenge with humorous out-takes of a boss getting what he had coming to him. This show has a great message that is very much needed today- a message of looking beyond a persons’ appearance and valuing what is in their heart, finding inner strength and believing in yourself.
The talent in this 9-5 cast is impressive. Violet (Terresa Shreve) opens the show asserting herself as a talented, competent employee with a beautiful strong alto voice. The way she phrases her lyrics makes her endearing and relatable. Judy (Jessica Andrus) is a new divorcee trying to start over and survive her first day on the job. Andrus was my daughter’s favorite because she has a genuineness and sweet but feisty spirit. I would have liked to hear more volume from her. My favorite might have to be Andrew Oliverson playing Franklin Hart, Jr. (The Boss). He is egotistical, arrogant, self-centered, sexist, and funny. Oliverson has natural timing and physicality that blend perfectly with his strong baritone.
Roz Keith, played by Carla Zarate, is a standout. Zarate is the boss’ main assistant who also happens to be in love with him. She has some very funny moments daydreaming about her boss and draws lots of laughs. I found out that one of the main trio of friends, Doralee Rhodes (Lori Rees) had to substitute and learn the choreography and blocking in just a few days but no one would ever know- Rees was phenomenal! Doralee is the character obviously patterned after Dolly Parton herself and Rees brings spunk, character, and sexuality to the role while also exploring the backwoods-barbie and making the audience empathize with her situation. Samantha Ontiveros is the cast’s regular Doralee (as pictured in promo pictures) and is expected to return to the run.
Director Leslie Richards’ cast has a contagious energy and they are visually appealing in all the great 80’s working- girl outfits thanks to their costumers Jamila Lowe, Jacci Florence, Jim Tatoon and Tami Richardson. Richards did a great job with the ensemble who danced and changed characters with ease to tell the story and keep the show moving at a good pace. Sally Paskins directed the music and taught everyone to hold their parts. Ginny Spencer choreographed some fun dances while giving the individual characters space to be themselves. One of my favorite dances is Judy’s killer ballroom moves in the “Dance of Death.” DD Linch and Austin Glenn are the sound operators and Steve Petersen runs lights. I like Megan Dunmeyer’s set designs and the way they keep scenes moving by utilizing the wings to represent separate spaces.
This is a show that many people can enjoy. There is some mature content and the presence of guns on stage which may not be appropriate for all audiences, but my daughter enjoyed it with me. Go experience 9 to 5 for yourself. As Richards wrote in her Director’s note, “Please tell your friends to come and see this delightful production. It’s a great escape from a long hard day working 9 to 5!”
All such people seek chiropractic services at regular intervals from the expert super viagra uk Chiropractors Carlsbad has to offer. They can use the low cost high effective soft tadalafil Kamagra that is made of Sildenafil citrate. Experts advise that basic changes in cialis mastercard the social scene that will take place in 2016. It generic levitra usa see now is a blend of powerful herbs and natural aphrodisiacs to cure sexual disorders like male infertility, premature ejaculation, and weakness in male organ, soft erection and ED.
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse presents 9-5 book by Patricia Resnick, Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse 99 E. 4700 S. Washington Terrace, UT 84405
April 20- May 26, 2018 Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Tickets $10-$17
BOX OFFICE: 801-393-0070
Terrace Plaza Playhouse Facebook Page
0 Comments