Dolly Parton's Smash Hit "9 to 5" opens in Sydney

I was privileged to attend the opening might of the new "9 to 5" musical in Sydney last week. Myself and all the others in the full Capitol theatre thoroughly enjoyed this smash hit musical featuring the songs of Dolly Parton. It was great to see live musical theatre back again after an absence of several years. 

The musical is based on the 1980 movie "9 to 5" that starred Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton. It made its first appearance on stage as a live production in 2009 with additional songs written by Dolly Parton.

The opening night started off with invited celebrities walking the red carpet in all their glam and glitter. Too many to mention, but I recognised Keeri-Anne Kennerley and Richard Wilkins.

Dolly Parton made an appearance, via video screen on the giant 9 to 5 timepiece, to introduce the show and sing her hit song 9 to 5. The show then swung into action as the office workers entered the stage and headed off to work.

The best part of the musical was the comedy element that made the audience chuckle with laughter as the characters sung their way through the male dominated office era of the 1980's. It is good to see that a lot of the sexist office culture of the 1980's has changed for the better, but unfortunately some elements still hang around even today.

The singing of the 4 leads and the ensemble is great. Marina Prior, Casey Donovan, Erin Clare, and Caroline O'Conner sing beautifully as they try to get even with and overthrow their work place autocratic, sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot boss, played by Eddie Perfect. The stand out singer was Casey Donovan with her solo.

Rather than painted backdrops, the sets were high tech consisting of lots of fluorescent lighting strips and screens that gave the appearance of office tower block exteriors or office interiors. 

The 8 piece orchestra provided all the beaut music for the singers as they sung the songs. They did not over dominate the singers, so all the words of the songs were clearly heard. 

"9 to 5" will be playing at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney before moving on to other cities around Australia. I suggest you get in early to book your tickets so you do not miss out on this great night at the theatre. Dolly Parton will love to see you and your friends there!