'9 to 5' at Musicals at Richter - My Review

The  second show this summer at Musicals at Richter, Connecticut's longest running outdoor theater, is 9 to 5. The show features a bunch of great songs written by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick and is based upon the movie of the same name. This very fun show is ably directed by Donald Birely, with musical direction by Naugatuck's own Dan Koch and lovely choreography by Jen Turey Draghi.

The director had told me at a recent tech rehearsal that he liked this show because of the female camaraderie and that it calls for many female performers. I liked the production for exactly the same reasons. Mr. Birely cast three powerhouse ladies in the lead roles, as well as a strong female ensemble. Oh and there were some talented and brave guys, too.

The original Broadway cast of 9 to 5 included Allison Janney from West Wing, Megan Hilty and Stephanie J. Block (both Wicked veterans.) The music by Dolly Parton impressed my teenager and me as it was performed by this strong cast. The dance numbers were well done as well. Some of my personal favorites were the title song, "The Dance of Death," "Shine Like the Sun" and "Let Love Grow."

As Violet Newstead, Juliette Garrison Koch was the perfect comic actress with an amazing singing voice. She can really play anything, but she really was able to shine in the role of this strong character. Melinda Zupaniotis brought charm and heart to the role of Doralee Rhodes and looked incredible in the Dolly Parton inspired wardrobe. Lauren Sherwood nailed the transformation that Judy Bernly must undergo onstage and she was most impressive in her dream sequence.

George Alberts in his Richter debut was excellent in the role of the nasty boss Franklin Hart, Jr. and held his own among the female forces surrounding him onstage. As Violet's hopeful beau Joe, Robert Bria was a "hunk," and as her teenaged son, Spencer Garrison (Ms. Koch's real life son) was very tall and cute. Brendan Fox was also aptly slimy in his leisure suits as Judy's ex-husband Dick. Mike Armstrong played the role of Dwayne but was even better as Mr. Tinsworthy in the second act.

As always, the members of the company did a great job covering many roles in the dream sequences and at the office. Dr. Barbara Kessler returns to the Richter stage as an inebriated office worker named Margaret. In the Richter tradition, many of them are related to other members of the cast They all worked together under the watchful eye of the always busy stage manager, Jennie Lozier.

As Roz Keith, Susan Kulp deserves special mention. From the minute she makes her entrance dressed for a Jane Fonda workout, this actress is a riot. She is performing at Richter for the first time in the production and I hope that she will be back in the future.

The scenery by Steve Loftus, Screenworks and the cast of 2013 was both functional and appropriate and the lighting showed it off. The seventies era costumes and wigs were especially impressive; DBProductions and Renee Purdy really outdid themselves in this one. The five piece orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Koch, did an especially good job with the score.

Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking, with the show at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors and $15 for students and children.  For Sunday performances and the added show on Thursday, July 18, tickets are $18 for adults, $14 for seniors and $12 for students and children.  Group rates and chair rentals are available, and a snack/soft drink concession is on site.