By Tyler Tidmore www.chicagostagestyle.com

It's interesting how a simple early 1980's comedy film can spring into a weak Broadway musical.  The concept of “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” comes into play as the revamped musical “9 to 5 The Musical” gears up for its national tour.  A beloved film starring Jane Fonda and the legendary country music artist Dolly Parton was the original backbone for this somewhat flat musical.  Lasting on Broadway a little over a brief five months, “9 to 5” circles back around for its first national tour, landing right here in the Windy City.

The National Tour is choreographed and directed by Jeff Calhoun, director of the original stage versions of Disney's “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2”.  Calhoun's vision of a classic movie turned musical is an example of over dramatic mediocrity.  Focusing on early 1980's women oppression in an office environment seemed a little distasteful and out-dated for this era.  While the choreography for a few numbers was nicely done, many of the dance sequences appeared beyond the capability of the actors performing them.  Calhoun's run of “High School Musical” seemed to have rippled over with the choreography for this musical.

Country music legend Dolly Parton is responsible for this musical's original score.  The most memorable number being the show's hit theme song and title “9 to 5”.  Parton's other songs slowly descended towards the floor with each passing one, the lyrics were just dry and forgetful.  Many of the songs were screamed rather than sung, causing squinting faces throughout the audience, especially when the Dolly Parton intimation, Doralee Rhodes (Diana DeGarmo) screeched her lyrics to the point where she couldn't be understood.  Not all hope was lost however.  Mamie Parris, who played the role of Judy Bernly, did an incredible job portraying this single white collar woman.  Being the new girl in the office, her voice was sweet and innocent.  Excellent job to her.

“9 to 5” follows the friendship of three working class women.  Set during 1979 in your average office building, Violet, Doralee, and Judy struggle to overcome their petty views of one another to devise a clever plan to dismantle their chauvinist boss, Franklin Hart, Jr (Joseph Mahowald).  After a poisoning, a kidnapping, and some shared secrets, the girls finally get Mr. Hart exactly where they want him, tied up and strapped to a garage door opener.  Trying to find evidence to prove Hart has been stealing money from the company, the fearsome trio turn the boring old office space into a fun and highly productive work environment.  Only soon to be caught for their actions.

In my opinion successful films should stay successful films, not turned into other means of entertainment, especially a musical.  The original film was missed while watching this empty show called “9 to 5 The Musical”.  As a veteran of the south, I pride myself in enjoying Dolly Parton's golden country hits, but this just doesn't cut it.  I wonder if die-hard fans of the original movie would enjoy this production, as for Dolly Parton fans the show is busting at the seems with her presence.  Which was one of the more favorable things about the show.  For more information on this show, please visit the Theatre In Chicago 9 to 5 page.