“What a Way to Make a Living”: ‘9 to 5’ is a Fun Feminist Feat
Despite it being a Saturday, I woke up the morning of seeing Thousand Islands Playhouse’s production of 9 to 5 feeling much like the first verse of the titular song. Trying “to come to life,” with “a cup of ambition” in hand before the long day ahead. Needless to say, there is no better way to come back alive than to experience two and a half hours of peppy fun at the Springer Theatre.
Based on the 1980 film by Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5: The Musical tells the story of Violet (Louise St. Cyr), Judy (Cailyn Stadnyk), and Doralee (Kelly Holiff), three co-workers who are opposites on the surface, but share a common hatred for their misogynistic, womanizing boss, Franklin Hart Jr. (Kent Sheridan). With the musical’s book also written by Resnick and songs composed by Dolly Parton, the show is upbeat and feminist, highlighting the prominent gender inequities present as women began to enter the workforce (and still face, as mentioned in Director Julie Tomaino’s program note). The show makes it clear how essential it is to band together against those who wish to abuse their power.
Choreography, also by Tomaino, is well-suited to the style of the show: it’s punchy, fun, and highlights the upbeat tone. This is particularly visible in the opening of the show and a dream-like sequence in act one, but remains a highlight throughout. Each actor moves with infectious energy and I often found myself glued to members of the ensemble during group numbers, as each shone through their own character choices. I adored the short dances that ensured smooth transitions between scenes, distracting the audience from the moving set pieces and keeping the magic alive after a powerhouse song or pivotal moment of the story. Transitions aside, in these full company numbers, where the stage is bursting with energetic choreography and crystalline harmonies, the cast is at its absolute best, and it is nearly impossible to peel your eyes away.
While the dance and vocal aspects of the show are exceptional, some of the acting performances feel one-dimensional at times. This could be the result of an off day, but when contrasted with the strength of other aspects of the show, I became disengaged with the story. St. Cyr, Stadnyk, and Holiff play off of each other well, but come across as disconnected during the show’s middle section, even after their characters have overcome their initial differences. That said, their chemistry picks up significantly with the heightened stakes at the end of the show, and I imagine they will grow into this side of the performance as the run continues, making for an even more powerful leading trio.
St. Cyr is grounded and resolute as Violet, a senior employee who has been stuck without a deserved promotion for years. She shines in each of her vocal solos, which show off her beautiful lower register. The brief moments of banter with her son, Josh (Teddy Moynihan), are goofy, but cement her in the reality of a single mom working long hours to support her family. Violet’s relationship with Joe (Darren Burkett), a junior employee at the office who takes a liking to her, provides a deeper look into the character’s insecurities and discomfort with love as an older, somewhat newly single woman. Their duet in the second act is heartfelt, and provides a gorgeous blend of their voices.
Holiff plays Doralee—originally played by Dolly Parton herself in the 1980 film—with the signature energy of the country legend. Her spectacular voice is full of Southern twang to match the character’s Texan roots. “Backwoods Barbie” is a big song early on in the show that showcases the height of her talent, with ample ornamentations throughout, perhaps a few too many for my own taste. But it is an incredible feat, especially as she keeps a clear Southern accent throughout.
One of my most anticipated moments of the musical was Judy’s eleven o’clock number, “Get Out and Stay Out”. This feminist power ballad cements her shift from a woman who lacked confidence and felt dependent on her ex-husband into one who knows her worth and is proud of it. Stadnyk’s voice soars: she navigates the troublesome shifts in key with precise ease, and gradually builds the song from a soft refusal into a defiant cry as she reclaims her own identity. Although Stadnyk’s voice is truly incredible, I found her interpretation of the character played a bit too heavily into naivete, leaving her to seem overly juvenile. Judy is new to this routine of work and is initially sheepish in the office, her ex-husband having recently destroyed her confidence, but I feel there is an underlying defiance to the character that was missing. Likely a directorial or a character choice, I had qualms with this more childish Judy.
A standout of the production is Jessica E. Sherman as Roz Keith, Hart’s uptight, yet comically infatuated administrative assistant. Sheridan navigates the immense vocals of her solo number, “Heart to Hart,” with ease, but even better, nails each of the character’s comedic beats while doing so. Her choices enhance Roz’s wacky, obsessive nature towards her boss, and earned boisterous applause and laughter at every turn. Her solo moments on stage were some of my absolute favourites in the show.
The set (designed by Joe Pagnan) is minimal, but effective. It features purple tones, the backdrop of a city skyline, and a functioning elevator door. Its simplicity assists the production, leaving space for the ensemble’s flurries of movement throughout, in costumes (designed by Michelle Bohn) that are reminiscent of a vibrant 70s and 80s aesthetic, silhouettes and all.
Thousand Islands Playhouse’s 9 to 5 is a great way to spend a “5 to 9”. Light-hearted, timely, and full of hits, this production is loads of fun and a perfect pick me up, with timely stabs at authority systems that continue to need shaking. Find a way there amidst your busy routine—I can attest it is well worth the trip!
‘9 to 5: The Musical’ is presented by Thousand Islands Playhouse, and will be playing at the Springer Theatre until November 9th, 2025. Tickets and more information can be found here.
