9 to 5: The Musical
at Fairfax High School

Reviewed on May 10, 2014

Cindy Funes
Hayfield Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Never underestimate a woman in the office or she will turn you from a rooster to a hen with one shot. Girl power was the theme of the night at Fairfax High School as they performed a thrilling, energetic performance of 9 to 5.

9 to 5 was originally a movie written by Patricia Resnick and Colin Higgins in 1980. It was then written into a musical that premiered on Broadway in 2009 with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. The story follows Violet, Judy and Doralee as they attempt to make a living by working in an office in the 1980s. Their boss, Hart, neglects the women at the office and makes them feel inferior, thus explodes a hysterical and powerful journey as the three women show who's boss in a man-domineering world.

The leading actresses, Caroline Silas at Violet, Emily Ennis as Doralee and Amanda Harvey as Judy, were impressive individually and spectacular together. Silas brought humor and emotion as a widowed mother wanting revenge from Hart (played by Doug Klain) with appropriate physically and strong characterization. Silas received many laughs during her fantasy sequence of killing Hart in her song "Potion Notion". Ennis had the bright, spunky, southern flare in both her personality and voice as she sang songs such as "Cowgirl's Revenge". Ennis also expressed a softer side of herself during her song "Backwoods Barbie". As the new girl at the office, Harvey had an apprehensive and quirky personality as Judy. Harvey gave a compelling performance as she sang "Get Out and Stay Out" where she tells her ex-husband to hit the high road because she does not need him or any other guy to have a successful life. Whether it was during songs such as "Shine Like the Sun" or when they were kidnapping Hart, the leading ladies were strongest together with their impressive teamwork and lovely interactions.

Supporting actors and the ensemble also gave out standout performances with lively energy. As the self-centered and sleazy boss, Doug Klain played Hart with fantastic physicality and characterization. During his song "Here For You" Klain sang with a clear and strong voice as he fantasizes about Doralee. Eva Peterson as Roz, an employee in love with Hart, gave a hilarious performance during her song "Heart to Hart" as she confesses her love to a cardboard cutout of Hart. Cameron LeDucq played alcoholic Margaret with precise comedic timing with his voice and physicality. The ensemble nailed the choreography with precision and supplied energy to the show that never ceased.

The lighting crew did a lovely job by incorporating bold and lively colors to differentiate each scene. The set incorporated many rolling walls and desks for the office, Violet and Doralee's homes, and Hart's office. The stage crew moved each set piece on and off quickly and quietly without ever distracting the audience.

Working 9 to 5 may seem like a chore, but Fairfax High School made it seem so much more with tons of energy, lovely characterization, and great technical aspects in their enchanting production of 9 to 5.

Emma Paquette
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

It is the lucky few who truly enjoy getting up and going to work each morning. But for Violet, Doralee, and Judy, the typical displeasure has taken a slightly deadlier manifestation. Their "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" of a boss never saw it coming. Fairfax High School captured the twisted take on girl power in their fabulous and hysterical production of "9 to 5: The Musical."

"9 to 5: The Musical" is based off the 1980 movie and features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton with book by Patricia Resnick. The original production opened on Broadway in 2009 where it received four Tony Award nominations. The plot follows three disgruntled woman employees in the 1970s, fed up with their sleazy boss and his maltreatment of his workers. When the situation suddenly compounds out of the control, Violet, Doralee, and Judy are forced to take matters into their own hands through whatever means necessary.

The three leading ladies tied the show together with their incredible commitment and boundless talents, playing off each other to synthesize both hilarious and emotional moments. Violet was played with both sophistication and neurotic tendencies by the unbelievably gifted Caroline Silas. In addition to her belting voice and appropriate portrayal of age, Silas also created wildly uproarious moments such as her marijuana-induced fantasy of "Potion Notion." Next up was Doralee (Emily Ennis) with her Southern drawl and proud sexuality coupled with extreme strength and intelligence. Her sassy, backwoods personality meshed with perfect comedic timing for the biggest laughs of the show. Finally, the sweet Judy was given life by the incomparable Amanda Harvey, whose cathartic song "Get Out and Stay Out" utilized a powerful combination of chest and head voice to illustrate her new outlook on life.

As the boss who inspires such hatred from his employees, Doug Klain was delightfully despicable while also maintaining a certain humor to Hart for a multidimensional portrayal. His slimy ways were only threatened by his fear of the possessive Roz (Eva Peterson) whose obsession with her boss bordered on disturbing in the most side-splitting way possible. Margaret (Cameron LeDucq), a drunk, cross-dressing managerial worker, also attributed to the riotous show with his staggering walk and snide comments. Lastly, Matt Whitacre brought an ounce of reason, displaying a sincere concern for Silas's Violet that felt utterly genuine.

Despite some extremely minor issues near the front of the show, the technical elements were undeniably stunning in both design and implementation. Every element cooperated to bring a cohesive and intelligent look to the stage. Set pieces were brilliantly used to create the several different places around the office that were called for; quick changes were made possible by an efficient and practiced stage crew to keep the pace of the show zooming along. Costumes worked to indicate both personality and age while also sticking to an appropriate color scheme to demonstrate the shift in the office in the second half of the show. Some songs, such as sensuous "Heart to Hart," were choreographed by student Logan Floyd who showcased a masterful and entertaining style.

As the issues presented in "9 to 5: The Musical" are still not completely solved today, Fairfax High School brought an explosive performance with extraordinary elements across the board to remind their audience that they are just as relevant now as they were back in the 1970s.

Maggie Hardy
Hayfield Secondary School
Submitted for publication to ShowBizRadio.net

Joy to the girls! "You go girl!" was a common thought and exclamation at Fairfax High School's production of 9 to 5: The Musical. Based on the 1980 movie with the same name, with music and lyrics by country star Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, the production premiered in Los Angeles in 2008, and opened on Broadway a year later. Although the Broadway production lasted less than a year, the show managed to pull in 15 Drama Desk Award nominations and 4 Tony award nominations, an impressive feat for a short-lived production. The original production also boasted such names as Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty, and Allison Janney as its leading cast. The story follows the hijinks of coworkers Violet, Judy, and Dora Lee as they come together despite original first judgments. Hilarity ensues as the three women rally to make changes in their workplace at "Consolidated Industries," and take down the oppressive reign of their "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" of a boss, Hart.

The production found its heart in the three fabulous female leads; Caroline Silas as Violet, the jaded but ambitious older woman; Emily Ennis as Doralee, the voluptuous but moral Southern Belle; and Amanda Harvey as Judy, the prim and proper divorcee who finds her inner power. All three ladies shared a wonderful chemistry in their trouble-making and friendship, and flawlessly demonstrated their impressive vocal abilities, whether singing with an accent or pulling off a difficult powerhouse belt.

Although the leading women held up the show, they had commendable support from their fellow cast mates. Doug Klain mastered the art of making you love to hate him as the slimy C.E.O Hart, balancing over-the-top characteristics with a believably unctuous nature. Additionally, the vocal talent of the show found more backing in Matt Whitacre's performance of Joe, while sharing believable chemistry with Silas (Violet).

Even further, the ensemble brought the show over the top with their endless energy. Amid some difficult choreography, the ensemble pulled off a commendable dance performance, all while bringing liveliness to the stage and showing the audience just how much fun they were having, thus sharing that happiness with the audience. Their energy was displayed particularly well in numbers such as "9 to 5" and "Potion Notion."

The stage crew worked impressively to create swift and seamless scene changes, and the set proved functional and decorative to the actors and the atmosphere of the show. Props and costumes additionally deserve major credit as they fit in the time period of the production and added value to the characters and the show. While there were occasional lighting and sound issues, the actors and crew never let this hold them back, overcoming every obstacle they came to face.

All in all, the FX Players "shined like the sun" in their hilarious and enjoyable production of 9 to 5: The Musical. Whether it's for the remarkable performances, the detailed tech work, or the powerful female empowerment message the show itself holds, everybody will find something to love around here in this production.

Gillian Wright
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Though the women work in an average, run of the mill office building, their wild fantasies include drop-dead gorgeous murderesses, man-eating copy machines, and forests of cute yet cannibalistic animals. When a young divorcée, a southern country girl, and a middle-aged widow join together to abduct the CEO of a major company, it is obvious that whatever happens next is sure to be anything but expected. Fairfax High School's production of "9 to 5: The Musical" combines tragedy, comedy, and romance in a creative dramatization of a 1970's workplace.

Patricia Resnick's musical based on the music of Dolly Parton follows three women in one office with starkly different backgrounds who share one common desire: to defeat the "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" of a CEO who runs their company. Hitting Broadway in 2009, the show takes a comedic look at the raging sexism prevalent in the corporate world during the heat of the feminist movement. Throughout the duration of the show, the women overcome not only their dictatorial boss but also the biased stereotypes they face as well as their own personal conflicts, resulting in a witty and upbeat musical that brings "Joy to the Girls" (and the guys) in the audience.

Though Violet (Caroline Silas) appears to be an ordinary woman at the exposition of the show, she spearheads the movement to overthrow the bigoted CEO, gracefully transitioning from a tired mother to an exasperated secretary to a crazed criminal with well-timed exaggeration of physicality and expression. As the young and very attractive new assistant Doralee, Emily Ennis plays quite the opposite of Silas. In a role modeled after Dolly Parton, Ennis surpasses all expectations, sassily making the boss aware of who is in charge and consistently filling the auditorium with laughter. The third in the powerful trio, Judy (Amanda Harvey) brings down the house with her moving vocals in "Get Out and Stay Out."

The pent up rage released against CEO Hart (Doug Klain) is due to the accumulated faults of many men; however, Klain seems to be the culmination of every stereotypical male flaw as he shamelessly hits on Ennis and degrades Silas and Harvey. Klain's talent is evident as he hilariously satirizes masculinity, especially during "Here For You," which showcases not only his comedic abilities but also his strong tenor voice. Matt Whitacre sheds light on the other end of the male spectrum as Joe, a young man pursuing Silas. Whitacre's distinct character choices enhance the show, and the chemistry between Whitacre and Silas is practically palpable during their duet, "Let Love Grow."

Fully supporting the talented cast is a highly skilful technical team. An astonishing amount of lights and the use of impressive lighting equipment brightens the production. Canny costumes choices perfectly suited to each character bedeck everyone onstage, and combined with superb hair and makeup techniques, many a high school student is made to look thoroughly believable as an adult over forty. Professional quality sets take the stage from home to office to hospital, all transported by an energetic stage crew.

With a gifted group of women that truly does "Shine Like the Sun" opposite an adept actor the audience loves to hate, not a dull moment can be found in the show. From sleazy men hitting on women to independent women hitting men, Fairfax High School's production of "9 to 5: The Musical" is absolute smash.

Jody Baik
The Madeira School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Fairfax

Can you get away with kidnapping your boss for a whole month in his own house? In Fairfax High School's production of "9 to 5: The Musical" you can! The FX Players demonstrated how sometimes, kidnapping your "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" CEO can actually help you in the long run.

Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, "9 to 5: The Musical" is based on the 1980 film of the same title. The musical opened on Broadway in April 2009. It received 15 Drama Desk Award nominations, which is the most received by a production in a single year, as well as 4 Tony Awards nominations. The Broadway production, however, only ran for six months and closed in September 2009. The musical is about three female secretaries who kidnap their sexist, bigoted CEO and change their company and their lives for the better.

Caroline Silas played an extraordinary Violet Newstead, a single mother and senior employee who is repeatedly passed over for promotion. Silas mastered her complex role. She took on both the authoritative nature of her middle-age character and the seething anger that Violet feels for her boss, Hart, with ease. In her solo, "Potion Notion," Silas had the room filled with laughter with her comical facial expressions that displayed Violet's a bit crazy side. She also had the vocals to support her amazing acting. Amanda Harvey performed the slight quirky but adorable Judy. Harvey charmed the audience with her character's naive and quirky delivery of lines. She also had a beautiful soprano voice. In her solo, "Get Out and Stay Out," Harvey's emotional belt as she stood up to her ex-husband received a roar of approval from the audience. Doralee played by Emily Ennis had a convincing Texan twang and pulled off the ditsy girl very well.

Other notable characters were Hart (Doug Klain) who played the perfect villain in the Musical. Not only did Klain had excellence comedic timing with his cartoon like movements and delivery of lines, he knew how to appear to the audience to be the villain that the show needed- a exceedingly sexist character who knows no boundaries with women, but also pretty dumb and comical. It was laudable how when the mike was not working, Klain projected his voice so that the audience could understand every single word. Roz (Eva Peterson) and Joe (Matt Whitacre) were also strong singers. Peterson, despite being only a freshman, was able to elicit a sea of laughter at several points, and Whitacre was lovable in his awkwardness as he crushed on Silas's character.

The ensemble was full of energy and worked hard to carry out the demanding choreography of the show. The costumes were amazingly all in period and supported each character nicely. The props, including cereal boxes painted to looked like books and a car, was also phenomenal.

Overall, the show was full of fun, hilarious moments, and lovable characters.

Amelia Heesen
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

The pristine office of Consolidated Industries, filled with hard-working but underappreciated women, is about to get turned upside-down when three female employees kidnap their boss and decide to run the office their way. This is the story of "9 to 5: The Musical," a fresh new musical that the Fairfax High School FX Players tackled this spring.

"9 to 5: The Musical" is based on the movie "9 to 5" starring Dolly Parton as Doralee. The musical's music and lyrics are written by Dolly Parton herself and the book is by Patricia Resnick. "9 to 5: The Musical" premiered on Broadway in 2009, but had a short-lived Broadway run. It received four Tony nominations and toured throughout the United States and the UK. The musical is set in the 1970's and focuses on women's role in the workforce; it digs into women's experiences in a male-dominated world and how they were discriminated against and objectified by the men they worked with.

The dynamic trio of female leads – Caroline Silas (Violet), Emily Ennis (Doralee), and Amanda Harvey (Judy) were equally talented, performing demanding vocal numbers, making perfect comedic choices, and constantly exuding their respective character's personality. While Silas showcased her comedic talents in the hilarious "Potion Notion," Harvey demonstrated her impressive vocal skills in "Get Out and Stay Out." Ennis' songs were also enjoyable, but Doralee's robust charisma radiated out of Ennis most memorably in monologues such as her "rooster to a hen" speech. Doug Klain (Hart), another standout performer, emanated confidence and energy while portraying the chauvinistic, arrogant boss of Consolidated Industries. Klain's characterization was age appropriate for the role of Hart, and his acting decisions were utterly hilarious.

The supporting characters and ensemble added to the production's humorous and spunky dynamic, each actor never wavering in energy or commitment. Eva Petersen, depicting the psychotically obsessed Roz, was a joy to watch onstage as she humorously pined after Hart, showing her excellent comedic capabilities and vocals in the song "Heart to Hart." The dance ensemble was also very impressive as well as the student choreography in numbers such as "Heart to Hart" and "Change It" by Logan Floyd.

The tech aspects of "9 to 5" were lead primarily by students, which did not compromise the professionalism of the production. The sets, as well as props, make-up, and costumes, were very well thought-out and were time period appropriate. The most impressive off-stage feat, however, was the publicity done for the show that included the use of social media and press, professional-quality videos, and creative modes of marketing such as advertisements on coffee collars and school computer backgrounds.

"9 to 5" at Fairfax High School was an original, creative high school production that showcased the talents of students both on and off stage. The Fairfax High School FX Players truly did "Shine Like the Sun."