9 to 5
at Tesoro

Reviewed on April 22, 2016

Heather Nielsen
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Register

It's a Woman's World at Tesoro's "9 to 5"

The alarm clocks ring, the coffee is brewing, and everyone is on their way to work before 9am. This early morning routine begins Tesoro's production of "9 to 5", the classic 70's women empowerment story.

Violet (Justine Halas) is a working woman who wishes to rise to the top of the company. Halas portrays a very strong, experienced woman who learns through the show that once she opens herself up, her success is that much better with friends by her side.

Doralee (Sydney Jarvis) is a small town country girl trying to make it in the corporate world. Jarvis' country twang and over the top facials add the the energy of the character, but also in the song "Backwoods Barbie", Jarvis portrays the more reserved emotional side of the fun, eccentric character.

Judy (Eve Devault) is the new girl looking for her own place away from her cheating husband. Even with some technical difficulties, Devault fills the room with her powerful vocals as she stands up to her ex-husband showcasing the power that was truly inside Judy since the beginning.

Franklin Hart (Joey Guerra) is the sexist boss who wants to keep his company a boys' club. Guerra makes strong character choices as he portrays a man who wishes to have his way at the office and at home, any time of the day. Guerra's baritone voice carries through the theatre especially in his song, "Here for You" as he dreams of the lovely Doralee (Sydney Jarvis).

Roz (Megan Kerrigan) is Hart's personal assistant and is secretly in love with him. Through her abrupt body movements and big, staring eyes, Kerrigan adds her comedy to the show as she feeds off of Hart's every line and movement.

The set designed by Lexi Ginn, Winter Little, Madi Stowe, and Alexander Trevisan is comprised of many moving pieces that with music behind them can transform from stationary items to parts of the dance numbers.

Marketing and publicity designed by Megan Kerrigan really is able to give a sense of the show to draw in audiences, specifically with the immense amount of posters, mugs, and buttons with the show's logo.

Through all of the ups and downs, Tesoro's cast of "9 to 5" proves that with friends and determination anyone can rise past their struggles to fill their full potential.

Julia Gordon
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Tesoro's ‘9 to 5' rocks around the clock

When dealing with a bigoted, egotistical boss, there are various approaches one may take: submit a complaint to HR, file a lawsuit, or kidnap the boss and take over the company.

Tesoro High School's energetic production of "9 to 5" follows newcomer Judy, Southern belle Doralee, and widow Violet as they exact revenge on their sexist boss and take corporate matters into their own manicured hands.

An alarm clock rings, and the show kicks off with the catchy piano riffs and peppy trumpet blares of its opening number—"9 to 5." The ensemble, matching the orchestra's dynamism, struts and grooves across stage while belting with gusto.

As Hart, Joey Guerra fully embodies his vile, misogynistic persona. In "Here for You," Guerra oozes sleaze as he ogles and reaches with groping hands for Doralee (Sydney Jarvis). Despite her obvious disinterest, Guerra continues his hip rolling and lip biting as he proclaims his lewd desires, his voice dripping with infatuation.

Doralee, however, is fed up with Hart. With a Dolly Parton-esque twang, Jarvis gleefully plans her vengeance during "Cowgirl's Revenge," hand on her hip and a smirk on her face as she hogties Hart with a lasso. Dressed in bold colors and cowboy boots, Jarvis' costumes—designed by Kylie Quick—evoke Dallas circa 1979 and emphasize her bubbly personality.

Portraying recent divorcee Judy, Eve Devault is initially meek and obedient; through her self-hugging posture and shaky voice, it is clear that she still misses Dick, her ex-husband. But through the guidance of Violet (Justine Halas)—who demonstrates her motherly protectiveness as she urges Judy to mask her tears—Devault declares her emancipation from Dick during "Get Out and Stay Out," her stance now tall and firm and her confident voice ringing throughout the theater.

Makeup, designed by Natalie Satarzadeh, effectively elicits a late 70s vibe while also highlighting bold personalities; Roz's (Megan Kerrigan) wild, lustful facial expressions are accentuated by her bright red lipstick.

The set, lined with windows and plain office desks, transforms into brilliant colors and vibrant décor once the trio takes over management. Handling a plethora of set changes, running crew executes with silence and efficiency. Similarly, stage manager Winter Little calls all 300 light cues with precision and punctuality.

With irrepressible enthusiasm, Tesoro's vivacious rendition of "9 to 5" celebrates the modern corporate woman—intelligent, ingenuous, and independent.

Tiffany Arman
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Tesoro takes care of business from '9 to 5'

When the alarm clocks ring, it is time to start work and take care of business. Tesoro High School presents the story of three different woman willing to do anything to raise their positions not only in the office, but as women in a strictly patriarchal society, even if it includes a little mischief and murder.

The story all begins when Judy, played by the talented Eve Devault, walks in to the office. Characterizing a sweet and innocent girl at first, Devault's voice as well as confidence soon soars as she finds strength in her friendships and no longer lets a man control her in "Get Out and Stay Out."

Perfectly complementing Judy plays Doralee (Sydney Jarvis), the pretty country girl who falls under everyone's stereotype as the dumb "Barbie girl". Jarvis' country accent consists as her personality toughens up and she shows her boss that she is more than just a fool to be played with.

Completing this trio of friends is Violet, taken on by Justine Halas. Halas finds that she must become the man in order to succeed and finally become her dream role as CEO of the company. These three friends belt out their heart in "Shine Like the Sun" when they finally find the strength to surpass the female boundaries in the workplace and rise to the top with their capabilities.

The show would not be complete, however, without the hilariously egotistical and sexist boss, Frank Hart, played by Joey Guerra. Playing the controversial male figure, Guerra presents his sly and perverted intentions towards his employees in "Here for You". Getting kidnapped and almost murdered, Guerra becomes more of a coward as the trio of friends find confidence and gradually take over.

Throughout this exciting show, the entire cast energetically dances in perfect synchrony and sings in beautiful harmony. Also, the crew does a thorough job perfecting the behind the scenes actions as the transitions smoothly flow and every cue is performed perfectly on time. Megan Kerrigan finally completes this well though out show with her creative marketing and publicity strategies.

In an overall gut-busting and lively performance, Tesoro High School's '9 to 5' proves that it takes no more than three women, determination, and an extravagantly murderous plan to exceed the patriarchal boundaries of society and become the real boss.