Audience members who filled the Little Theatre were greeted by colorful outfits and big hair of the ‘80s last Thursday for the opening night of Cal State Fullerton’s production of “9 to 5: The Musical.”
The comedy musical, based on the 1980 film of the same name, follows three fed-up secretaries: Violet, Doralee and Judy, as they get even with their sexist, bigoted and lying boss. The three women assume full control of the office and their careers through hilarious dance numbers and gorgeous ballads.
The musical is as funny as it is genuine. Each song and lyric, composed by Dolly Parton, showcase her trademark ability to write incredibly catchy, witty songs that stay in people’s heads long after they’ve left the theatre.
Lead actress Olivia Amigo, a fourth-year musical theatre major, plays Doralee Rhodes, a character based on Parton. She delivers her lines with the iconic southern flare Parton is known for and an incredible vocal performance rivaling that of the woman herself, firmly aligning with the musical’s overarching theme.
“I asked my grandma, mom and aunt about experiences they’ve had in the workforce, and they were very close to what goes on here and even stuff I’ve experienced,” Amigo said. “Unfortunately, women are inferior in the government and in pay, in so many other aspects of the world.”
The musical, written by Patricia Resnick, had the cast singing and pirouetting through the era’s sexist office culture.
“I still think that the themes are still relevant today,” said director Naomi Buckley, a theatre studies professor. “We seem to think of that as being like ancient history, and we forget that most of us have mothers or at the very least grandmothers who lived in a world in which they could not have their own bank account.”
The immersion into the world of “9 to 5” was immensely helped by the time-accurate scenic design by fine arts graduate student John Corde, which featured moving walls that really sold every location as unique.
The cast’s chemistry was the highlight of the evening as second-year musical theater major Tianna Wilson and fourth-year musical theater major Michael Navarro shared a romantic duet as Violet and Joe in the song “Let Love Grow.” In what audiences described as the standout song of the night, both actors delivered a stunning vocal showcase.
“Their duet was, oh my God, it was like butter,” said Da’Mareae Landry, a first-year theater major. “Any time that Tianna was singing it sounded amazing. It was like art. It was beautiful.”
One fan favorite of the night included third-year theater major Cash Wheeler, who earned laughs the entire night as boss Franklin Hart.
Fourth-year musical theater major Ainsley Jane’s portrayal of Roz, the mean secretary, performing “Heart to Hart” received the biggest laughs of the night.
The pitch-perfect singing, often accomplished by standout performer and third-year musical theater major Mia Gibson as Judy, was accompanied by a live orchestra led by conductor and music director Kevin Gasio, a musical theatre professor.
The musical also features fun and campy dance sequences planned by choreographer Courtney Ozovek, a dance professor.
The musical was a clear hit with the audience as the cast received a standing ovation following the closing number. Buckley hopes the musical will leave audiences pondering as they leave the theater.
“The amount of progress that we’ve made in this country, with women’s rights, on how precious those rights are, and that it is useful for everyone to fight for those,” Buckley said. “When some people don’t have rights, then none of us really do.”
The musical runs until Nov. 1 and is recommended for ages 13 and above.