Book: Patricia Resnick
Music and Lyrics: Dolly Parton
Director: Paul Jepson
9 to 5 is a show packed with Southern charm. The girl power story with Dolly Parton music is the perfect night out for fans of the classic film and Dolly Parton fans alike.
The storyline follows Dora Lee, Violet, and Judy as they navigate being women in the workplace during the 80s. Their chauvinistic boss, Mr Hart, relentlessly bullies and harasses them and keeps them from fulfilling their true potential, so they fight back.
For an independent production company, Landmark Theatres provides as good a show as patrons find at the big regional theatres. The set designed by Amanda Stoodley, which at first seems simplistic and bare with its paper skyline, actually reveals itself to be a convincing, versatile office. Fitted with a copier, printer, and elevator, the balcony houses a portion of the stage away from the office floor and a stand for the band, which remains visible to the audience at all times.
The music and lyrics are a great asset to this show, with toe-tapping live music and powerhouse vocals from all core cast members. There are even messages to the audience from Dolly herself via a boombox telling the story for the opening, second act, and epilogue to satisfy the Dolly fans. This is clearly a show which knows its audience.
Karla Tracy as Doralee is one of the show’s greatest assets, with large boots to fill, fulfilling the role of Dolly Parton. Tracy not only has the sweet lilt of the country singer’s voice but also the demeanour of the humble, honest, yet firm star. She is a joy to watch, and in the depths of one of the acts, viewers can easily slip into thinking she is the real deal.
Tim Rogers as Mr Hart only gets more and more slimy and insufferable as the show goes on; he plays a great villain whom audiences love to hate and see punished. Jade Marvin is a strong and firm Violet who comes off as a force to be reckoned with; she has a believable strength as a single mother whom audiences love throughout the story.
There are several strong vocal moments with the whole ensemble, but an outstanding musical number is Change It, an anthem for being the change individuals want to see in their lives and work. The full cast singing this song surges on the second act and stays with the audience after the show is over.
Get Out and Stay Out is beautifully performed by Kayla Carter as Judy; it is a satisfying turning point and conclusion for the character, who finally realises she doesn’t want her cheating ex-husband back. It well earns the longest applause of the show. The song perfectly summarises the experience of a woman who will not be pushed around anymore.
Creative choreography by Lisa Stevens keeps this small production looking big and interesting with multi-layered formations. The cast, although being on the smaller side, looks constantly full and impressively fills the stage. Numbers like Always a Woman and Heart to Hart also show fun moments of comedic relief through dance with Mr Hart dancing while all tied up.
Overall, does this show break the mould and challenge any norms? Not really. But does it achieve its purpose of being an incredibly fun and uplifting show? Absolutely. This is a great night out on the town for the nostalgic theatregoer, for getting together with friends, mothers, or sisters, and leaving the theatre feeling uplifted. Fans of Dolly Parton or the 9 to 5 film leave ecstatic from this excellent revival of a classic everyone loves.
Runs Until 25 July 2026
