ShowBizRadio

Dolly Parton’s voiceover sets the tone for the surrealistic trip into 1979 that is 9 to 5. Dundalk Community Theatre’s production is certain to delight and entertain fans of the original movie and the music of Dolly Parton on which the show is based. With a sold ensemble cast and phenomenal leads, this production is definitely top-notch.

The show is centered on a dynamic trio of ladies. Violet (Nancy Parrish Asendorf) is a single mother and widow who dreams of being a female CEO, while in reality she is continually passed over for jobs in management that are given to men. Asendorf is incredibly dynamic and finds a way to make Violet strong without compromising her femininity. She has a rock solid vocal and never misses a beat.

At the beginning of the show, Violet takes a new secretary under her wing, Judy (Brenda L. Tackett). Judy’s husband left her for his secretary, and she has had to take a job for the first time her life. Tackett starts out with this wonderful wide-eyed look and rambling speech that slowly matures and strengthen through the musical. The combination of her voice and acting brings goose bumps when Judy finally as her major breakthrough in “Get Out and Stay Out.”

Rounding out this unlikely trio is Doralee (Carli Smith). A blonde bombshell with a southern accent, Doralee has a hard time being accepted by other females. Smith is simply delightful, and she has an incredible powerhouse voice.

What truly bonds these women is their incredible dislike of their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss, Franklin Hart (John O’Brien). O’Brien’s performance is flawless. He creates a character that is beyond unlikable and yet still believable.

Shining in supporting roles are Allie Dreskin as Roz and Russell Gartner as Joe. Dreskin is aptly over-the-top with an awesome belt, and Gartner is sweet and loveable with melodic tenor voice. Other stars of this production are the technical elements — set, costumes, lighting, and sound — which all run seamlessly and set the appropriate mood and tone for the production.

There is a clear vision for 9 to 5 that seems true to the author’s intention, and it is carried out as well as it possibly could be in this strong production.

Cast

• Violet: Nancy Parrish Asendorf
• Doralee: Carli Smith
• Judy: Brenda L. Tackett
• Josh: Gino Cardoni
• Dwayne: Henry Reisinger, Jr.
• Roz: Allie Dreskin
• Missy Hart: Deborah Desmone
• Maria: Erica L. Garfield
• Kathy: Amy Sacks
• Margaret: Alice Scanlon
• Franklin Hart: John O’Brien
• Joe: Russell Gartner
• Dick: John Machovech
• Bob Enright: Michael Maistros
• Security Guard: Tyrell Stanley
• Detective: Albert J. Boeren
• Cop: Timoth David Copney
• Doctor: Jim Morgan
• Candy Striper: Zoe Feldman
• Tinsworthy: Dave Guy
• New Employee: Seth Saunders
• Ensemble: Albert J. Boeren, Libby Burgess, Timoth Copney, Amanda Dickson, Zoe Feldman, Erica Garfield, Kelsey Luchey, Michael Maistros, Laura May, Jim Morgan, Amy Sacks, Seth Saunders, Alice Scanlon, Lacy Schmidt, Tyrell Stanley
• Featured Dance Ensemble: Libby Burgess, Amanda Dickson, Zoe Feldman, Kelsey Luchey, Laura May, Lacy Schmidt

Production

• Director: John Desmone
• Scenic/Lighting Designer/Technical Director: Marc W. Smith
• Musical Director: R. Christopher Rose
• Choreographer: Bambi Johnson
• Costume Designer: James J Fasching
• Orchestra Conductor: Tim Viets
• Stage Manager: Emily Jewett
• Properties Manager: Lisa Boeren

Disclaimer: Dundalk Community Theatre provided two complimentary media tickets to ShowBizRadio for this review.