The Catskill Chronicle

Review by J. A. Di Bello

FORESTBURGH, NY (July 4, 2013) – Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5, The Musical” opened Tuesday night at the Forestburgh Playhouse. The enthusiastic reception earned is living testament to the fact that the remarkable production is more than a “push-up bra” and a morning “cup of ambition.”

This exhilarating, high-spirited, two-hour romp, with music and lyrics composed by Dolly Parton, is based on the 1980 film of the same name. The show opened on Broadway in 2009 and received less than enthusiastic reviews from several self-contented “gods of theatre,” a piece of reality that contributed to its abbreviated run. In the spirit of Thespis, however, it was but a temporary pause for this notable, hilarious, country-flavored hoot! As was overwhelmingly evident Tuesday night at the Forestburgh Playhouse, “9 to 5” is in fine health. It’s just a kickin’ and a stompin’ its way through regional and summer theatres. Hallelujah!

The show’s plot is simple, as it moves appropriately by cause and effect, using equality in the workplace and revenge as time-honored themes. Gender based conflicts will forever provide germane and fertile ground for creative pursuits.

With that thought in mind, the show’s focus of purpose is a direct reflection of the skilled hand of the multi-talented director, Larry Smiglewski, who also conveniently functions as the Production Stage Manager. Larry has been a significant contributor to the Miracle in the Forest, bringing to its stage a number of Forestburgh’s most widely acclaimed and recent productions.

“9 to 5, the Musical” is after all comedy; its primary purpose: to entertain. And as such, it uses elements of farce, e.g., exaggeration, the improbable and even fantasy to further its cause. Costume design, as demonstrated by Designer, Gretchen Halle, must blend seamlessly as a functioning part of the play’s fabric. The office girls with their skirts, hair and complementary mannerisms provide a visual statement reflecting the show’s improbable direction. Also, consider the costumes of the sexist boss, Mr. Franklin Hart, Jr., as superbly portrayed by Kevin Confoy. He is once a smartly dressed business man and then quickly and appropriately humbled by baggy old pajamas. Note here, Gretchen Halle’s ability to understand and present the character of Roz Keith, the sexually and emotionally starved office worker hilariously and wonderfully brought downstage center by Emma Martin whose costume does more than simply announces her deprivation. “Depraved on account of being deprived.” seems to fit here.

Whether discussing New York’s legendary centerfielders or the masterful tenors of the operatic stage, great things come in threes. And the Forestburgh Playhouse’s production of “9 to5, The Musical” is no exception.

Competent actresses are responsible for transferring this triumvirate’s victory in the work place to the stage at Forestburgh. The group is led by Lauren Chapman who, as in past productions, e.g., “West Side Story” and “Barefoot in the Park,” profoundly demonstrates her ability to hold the stage in the presence of serious contenders.

Ms. Lauren Chapman competently delivers her lines and lyrics with a credible rural intonation, in other words a lovable country-style twang. This appealing characteristic is especially evident in Lauren’s delivery of “Backwoods Barbie.” The extent of her talent is further evidenced in the hysterical, side-splitting fantasy scene in which the good ol’ boss, Mr. Franklin Hart Jr. is hogtied and branded.

Kami Seymour is lively and perky as Violet Newstead the twelve-year veteran of the office. As office manager she commands the plot, brilliantly displaying her energetic, authoritative manner. Her Act I delivery of “Around Here,” is a perfect piece, appropriately reminiscent of the novelty instrumental composition of the fifties, “The Typewriter.” Her performance clearly places her in the category of competent, well-trained actors whose very presence becomes a demand for attention.

Jessica Wagner provides to the Forestburgh audience a studied character transition as Judy Bernly, the confidence-challenged new girl who is tutored by the others to stand for herself. Not only in unity with the others but as a declaration of her own independence. The transition is made credible by Ms. Wagner by her declarative solo to her unfaithful ex-husband, “Get Out and Stay Out,” and its enthusiastic reception by the audience.

Not enough can be said or written about the performance by Kevin Confoy and his interpretation of Mr. Franklin Hart Jr., the oafish boss. Essentially, Kevin delivers one laugh after another followed by one of those big ones. His overcharged facial expressions and embellished body language represent the full range of a trained actor’s repertoire

His recent and expanded role at the Forestburgh Playhouse has added an additional dimension to the theater’s presentations. He brings that certain jena se qua to the Miracle in the Forest. Patrons, it is suspected, relish in anticipation.

“9 to 5, The Musical” is a great two hours of musical fun and laughs! The plot’s predictable; the dated jokes are crude and the puns just plain corny. A portion of the language is off color, and loaded with double entendre. It is unrefined and immensely hilarious, and filled with great song and dance, too. It’s what one might be tempted to label “good ol’ down-home raunchy!”

So gather up a stuffed shirt and head to the Forestburgh Playhouse. “9 to 5, The Musical” is playing through July 14. Google the theatre or call its box office at 845-794-1194. To use Broadway again, it’s “as corny as Kansas in August, and high as a flag on the Fourth of July!”