Dolly Parton fans, both active and recidivate, have been looking forward to 9 to 5: The Musical, which opened at the Toronto Centre for the Arts on June 29.
Parton, author of songs like, “I Will Always Love You”, “Jolene” and “Coat of Many Colours,” is one of the most prolific and successful country singers of the last four decades.
It is unfortunate, then, that what this musical actually contains are some rather pedestrian lyrics and clichéd musical arrangements, but it is not without the charm that utter predictability can garner.
Almost all of the best scenes from the film find their way into the musical, and there are several. Critics of the film in the 80s may have viewed it as fluffy feminist propaganda, and to their relief, the staged version, re-written for this millennium, has filed the teeth of that narrative a little. The results are watered down.
William Long’s costumes paid careful homage to those in the film. I found myself wishing Patricia Resnick had done so with the book. Some of the details that added interest to the plot and set the story firmly in the naïveté of 80s feminism are missing. Instead, gratuitous sexuality and courser language were added.
In the modern musical, Resnick has written Violet a younger man as a love interest, which is great for Violet but takes up space that should have been filled by plot, details, and jokes. Maybe it was felt that the original was to “man-bashy” but the effect emasculated both believability and some of the potential for depth. Of note is an interesting reflexivity in songs like “Man of the Year” that satirized the feminist ideals the film chronicled.
It’s the sheer talent of the production’s excellent female leads, and the occasional video message from Dolly herself, that make the musical enjoyable. Mamie Paris is an accomplished actress and singer, winner of five Tony’s, and a standout as Judy. Diana DeGarmo is a bubbly and adorable Doralee. Dee Hoty is a seasoned and believable Violet. They do their best to successfully sell a script that is mediocre.
Just as a test I peeked into the pit after the show. Not a single female musician. Is it possible not to meet some elements of this work with cynicism?
This is an excellent and recommended evening for those seeking some moderate laughs and light entertainment, but is not appropriate for young kids.
9 to 5: The Musical continues at the Toronto Centre for the Arts until July 10.
