Through flashing lights, dance breaks, and shoulder pads, Theatre Ink’s 9 to 5 musical, directed by Kirsten McKinney, delivered a comedic performance combined with a meaningful message of female empowerment to the Lasker Auditorium, March 26-29.
The musical opened with Dolly Parton’s famous number—and the show’s namesake—“9 to 5.” The opening number introduced the musical’s three leads: Judy, played by senior Neria Abimutt; Doralee, played by junior Alexa Nelan; and Violet, played by senior Bel Shaw.
The musical follows the three women, who despite their extensive qualifications, all work as secretaries under their sexist boss, Mr. Hart, played by junior Sam McCarthy. The group is united through their shared distaste for Hart’s gossip and overt sexualization, until one day in an intoxicated haze the three begin to fantasize about killing him.
According to Nelan, this moment provided an opportunity for all three leads to shine in their own ways through solo performances. “We each get our own short little songs,” Nelan said. “It’s fun to watch, even if you’re not in it.”
Although the three women ultimately decide not to go through with their murderous plan, they instead execute a workplace takeover which involves kidnapping Hart.
Themes of female empowerment carry throughout the musical, specifically in Judy’s power ballad, “Get Out And Stay Out,” in which she establishes her independence from her ex-husband and realizes once and for all that she can achieve success independently.
According to junior Bahaar Reinhardt, an audience member, Abimutt’s vocals were the highlight of the show. “I was surrounded by a ton of incredibly talented actors and actresses and I’m really proud to know all of them,” Reinhardt said.
Doralee, who is objectified throughout the show due to her manner of dress, elaborates on her appearance and experience with sexualization in her song, Backwoods Barbie. In it, she establishes that her style is simply a “country girl’s idea of glam,” and not an attempt to be seductive, as slut-shaming comments claim.
“I actually found that I liked the show a lot more than I liked the movie, just because of how much more the actors put into their roles. And I could also say that about Alexa’s Dolly Parton,” Reinhardt said. “Her [Nelan’s] actual channeling of Doralee was super great.”
According to Nelan, the majority of her years spent participating in theater took place in Texas, which allowed her to channel her character more effectively. “I knew a lot of things, like the diction,” Nelan said. “I have a southern accent, so it was easier to get into that, I think, because you’re pulling from experiences.”
Another standout number was “One of the Boys,” in which Violet, who has just been denied a promotion, sings about how she’s just as qualified to be in a leadership role as any of the men. The performance featured a kick-line and a quick change into a pantsuit which had the crowd roaring.
“Bel’s an amazing singer,” said Reinhardt. “And she’s so funny. This is kind of the perfect role for her.”
According to McKinney, all three of the lead actresses displayed an impressive amount of dedication. “The amount of focus and energy it takes for students to be that consistent throughout a run of a show is incredibly hard,” she said. “Every show, they just get stronger in their relationship and with their characters.”
In the final moments of the musical, the three women are finally recognized for the increase in value that their leadership brought to the office during their “workplace takeover.”
In addition to a vital message, the bonds that the cast took away from the production were exceptionally strong, according to McKinney. “What was incredible with this show is the way the company bonded in our pursuit of this storytelling,” McKinney said.
She added that the underclassmen’s focus and sense of purpose matched cast members who had been part of Theatre Ink for years. “This freshman class is incredibly gifted, and I can’t wait to see what they do in their years here.”
