9 to 5
at Yorba Linda High School

Reviewed on March 24, 2017

Ellena Eshraghi
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Yorba Linda High School's ‘9 to 5' gets the job done
written by Ellena Eshraghi, a junior at University High School

When facing a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot, there is only one thing to do: kidnap him and take over his company. In Yorba Linda High School's production of "9 to 5," three women team up to take down their cruel boss in a heartening story of female empowerment.

Playing the southern belle, Doralee, is Macy Warner. Her charming Texan twang and perky strut makes her a joy to watch on stage. Warner's softer and more reserved side is revealed in "Backwoods Barbie" as she sings beautiful high notes.

Julia Massey plays the newcomer to the office, Judy. In her rousing song, "Get Out And Stay Out," Massey leaves behind her nervous demeanor and instead commands the stage with a newfound confidence, her arms extended out as she belts a final goodbye to the person she used to be.

Kaitlyn Kraack brings an impressive level of maturity to Violet. Her authoritative stance and powerful voice makes her a force to be reckoned with. Kraack's versatility shines in "Potion Notion," where, amidst a hallucination, she takes on an ingénue princess-character and shows off her impressive soprano notes.

Caleb Huston is immersed in his character, the horrid Franklin Hart. In "Here For You," he goes into deep detail about his vivid fantasies about Doralee, desperately crawling under his desk and reaching for her body. With his feet smugly propped up on a table and a cigar hanging from his mouth, Huston truly manifests the arrogance and enmity of Mr. Hart.

Carlie Pitcher's depiction of Roz is absolutely uproarious. She discloses her secret desire for Mr. Hart in "Heart to Hart." While attempting to sexily perch herself on Hart's desk, Pitcher misses her footing and clumsily stumbles, knocking all of the pencils to the ground; comically, she is unfazed and determined to continue her confession.

Stage manager Kara Hager calls the show fabulously. The smooth lighting and sound cues enhance the authenticity of the show and keep the audience in the moment. The able crew, Dayne Donnell and Matthew Muresan, transitions between scenes with great speed and finesse.

The powerful performances at Yorba Linda High School foreground the struggles of women in the workplace during the 70s in their enlightening production of "9 to 5."

Natalie Teuton
Laguna Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Yorba Linda High School's 9 to 5 Shines Like the Sun
written by Natalie Teuton, a junior at Laguna Hills High School

Travel back in time to 1979… disco was in, gender equality was out. Women in the workplace struggled to acquire success. But in the musical 9 to 5, with lyrics and music by Dolly Parton, three powerful women take business matters into their own hands.

9 to 5, based off Patricia Resnick's book, expresses the hardships of three unique women: a single mom, a judged blonde, and an abandoned ex-wife. They unite in their workplace to achieve revenge against their "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigot" of a boss, Hart, while creating a positive and more productive environment for the female secretaries of the company.

The three leads, Judy (Julia Massey), Doralee (Macy Warner), and Violet (Kaitlyn Kraack), bring the show to life with their realistic attitudes and movements; they possess a seemingly effortless humor that compliment their individuality. Specifically, Kraack always stands tall and strong, which portrays her maturity. Warner's country accent remains consistent throughout the show, and she is committed to every movement, adding to her character's confidence. Massey's character dynamic is obvious, for she changes from an emotionally hurt girl to an independent woman with a stronger voice and posture; in her song "Get Out and Stay Out," her character's emotional build is very apparent due to her gradual singing belt and open physicality. Additionally, their beautiful and powerful singing portray their womanly strength throughout the production.

Caleb Huston as Franklin Hart entertains with his humorous, yet antagonistic attitude; he is constantly energetic and comedically on point. Roz (Carlie Pitcher) is electric throughout the show, for her strict attitude is contrasted by her hilarious and wild behavior that shines during Heart to Hart, a solo where she fantasizes about the imaginary love life between herself and Mr. Hart while twirling around his office and sliding on his desk and chairs. Overall, the entire ensemble is completely engaged. They react to every line and action onstage, which adds to the realism of the performance. Their harmonies are strong and blend very smoothly.

The stage management (Kara Hager) call their cues quickly and immaculately. Their precision allows the production to run smoothly and with a fast-pace timing that keeps the show up-beat.

Yorba Linda High School's actors and tech in 9 to 5 blend hilarious, energetic acting with emotional, powerful dramatics to create a captivating performance.

Jake Rhode
La Habra
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Yorba Linda's ‘9 to 5' is a work of art
written by Jake Rhode, a junior at La Habra High School

Dolly Parton's classic musical is revived with passion and humor at Yorba Linda High, showcasing their endless energy and remarkable vocals.

Violet, played by Kaitlyn Kraack, masterfully controls the stage with confidence. She stands with squared shoulders and a confident look in her eye, forcing everyone around her to acknowledge her strength and dominance. Kraack is complemented by Julia Massey, as Judy, who transitions from a nervous new employee into a symbol for feminist power. In her song, "Get Out and Stay Out", Massey plants herself center stage and throws her arms out with emotion during her anthem of independence.

As Doralee, the southern "Backwoods Barbie", Macy Warner adeptly demonstrates how oppression and judgement cannot diminish the strength that women possess. Warner uses her amazing vocals and authentic personality to conquer moments such as the punishment of her boss (Caleb Huston) during "Cowgirl's Revenge", in which she smiles with charisma and charm.

Huston skilfully embodies Franklin Hart, the sexist boss of the office. He uses an overconfident tone, prideful posture, and full physical commitment to create his menacing character. By emerging from under a table and chasing Doralee around his office, he illustrates his character's sinister nature.

Carlie Pitcher plays Hart's unrecognized lover Roz, and humorously commits to her character's varying personalities. She uses her whole body in both her confrontation with Violet for power, in which she lowers her voice and stares with intimidation, and her communication of her feelings for Hart, where she lounges on his couch and comically stretches out across his desk.

The ensemble in the show contributes in a large and impressive manner. The employees are in constant movement when at work, add perfectly blended harmonies in the background of numerous songs, and supply the production with endless energy. Maya Valenciano, who plays Maria, shows this attention to detail in her subtle character development in contrast to the overtly funny Rose Pell, as Margaret, to provide depth and complexity to the cast.

The colorful cast is supported by a crew and stage manager that run the show with graceful ease. Kara Hager calls the cues with precision while the crew changes the scenery with speed, allowing the show to run like a smooth machine.

Yorba Linda's clever production of "9 to 5" proclaims that with hard work and creativity anyone can cause change.