Is ‘9 to 5’ at Toby’s Time Well Spent?

MaryKate Brouillet as Judy, Janine Sunday as Violet
and Rachel Cahoon as Doralee

When 9 to 5 the Musical was included in this season’s lineup for Toby’s, the Dinner Theatre of Columbia, I fondly recalled the 1980 film starring Dolly Parton. I remembered it being a light and fluffy flick with a catchy title song that became a big hit back in the day. The 2008 musical, which was nominated for four Tony Awards, is based on that movie.

The story of how three downtrodden female office workers in the late 70’s with a domineering and sexist male boss who had little, if any, reverence for women, had to fight extra hard to receive a deserving promotion, gain respect from said boss and gain their own self-respect and confidence in the process. It is an anthem for equality in the workplace.

That was then.

Over the next four–plus decades, there had been significant changes to the workplace environment where diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts as well as litigation reduced those trying circumstances. While there is still a long way to go, especially in pay discrepancies, there had been noticeable and welcome improvements for women and other minority employees.

Sadly, recent developments triggered the rolling back of DEI programs and initiatives in both the private and public sectors. We’re on a path back to pre-1980 workplace conditions, so this musical becomes more relevant than one could have ever imagined before January.

Serious as this issue is the Toby’s production of 9 to 5 the Musical under the meticulous direction of Helen Hayes Award winner Mark Minnick gives us all a respite from the daily drama with an amusing musical spearheaded by a superb cast and crew.  For a few hours forget the trauma that has befallen us and enjoy the quality entertainment and luscious buffet.

Violet Newstead, played magnificently by Janine Sunday, is a veteran employee who is widowed, and despite her talent and smarts cannot rise up the employment ladder at Consolidated Industries. Doralee Rhodes, a secretary (Dolly Parton’s film role), played exceptionally by Rachel Cahoon, is an attractive, happily married country woman who had been shunned by her female co-workers because her boss falsely let it be known he’s having an affair with her. Separated Judy Bernly, played outstandingly by MaryKate Brouillet, just began working at Consolidated and lacks confidence.

Jordan B. Stocksdale as Franklin Hart

What all three have in common is their disdain for their boss, the company’s president Franklin M. Hart, Jr., played deliciously by Jordan B. Stockdale. Hart’s a pompous boor, a sexist, a liar, a hypocrite and a letch, and those are his good characteristics. Though married, he is an unabashed womanizer and sees his female employees as targets.

Each of these women have reasons to get rid of him, and by rid of him, they fantasized murdering Hart while smoking a joint. Instead, they kidnap him at his own home in a hilarious scene and mount him to a garage opener.

In the meanwhile, the women effect changes to the office and enact policies that are certain to boost
morale and productivity. This is noted by the Chairman of the Board Russell Tinsworthy, played by Robert Biedermann (see article below) with happy and comical results at the end.

Mr. Minnick along with Production Stage Manager Cheryl Stansfield assures that the pacing and staging of the show is top-notch.  Conductor Catina McLagan and the 6-piece orchestra (Ross Scott Rawlings takes the baton in other performances) deliver Dolly Parton’s score with the performers enunciating Parton’s lyrics. Choreographer Christen Svingos created dance steps that are fluid, in synch and allowing the Ensemble to showcase their talents with precise movements on the in-the-round stage.

If there was any doubt about which era the show takes place, terms like Xerox machine, white-out and Atari embedded in Patricia Resnick’s lively and hilarious book will remove such doubts. And who doesn’t remember you need to have paper in the typewriter before typing?

Costume Designer Heather C. Jackson and Hair and Wig Designer Jayson Kueberth deftly brought us back to the 70’s with their period attire and signature hairdo’s.

Lynn Joslin's lighting design is spot-on in effectuating scene changes, and Mark Smedley's crisp sound design is flawless.

David A. Hopkins and Shane Lowry teamed up to design a set that is eye-catching and pertinent to the era. Lots of office furniture is employed as well as other numerous set pieces. It does bring back memories. Unquestionably, the best touch is the visual recording on small screens around the theater of Dolly Parton herself who narrates the introduction of the musical as well as the Epilogue. In the latter, she comically describes the future of the main characters. 

"...an amusing musical spearheaded by a superb cast and crew."

9 to 5 the Musical is an amazingly enjoyable production at Toby’s. The three female leads consisting of Janine Sunday, MaryKate Brouillet and Rachel Cahoon as well as the male lead Jordan B. Stocksdale are simply sensational—both in performing musical numbers and acting. Credit Mr. Minnick for allowing the actors to freely allow their comedic skills to shine seemingly unrestrained. They are the centerpiece of the show and excel on every level.

All have extraordinary vocal skills individually and are even more powerful as a group. Songs, such as, “Around Here,” “I Just Might,” “Backwoods Barbie,” “Cowgirl’s Revenge.” “Joy to the Girls,” “Shine Like the Sun,” and “Change It” are examples of Parton’s songs that shine a spotlight on the performers’ vocal talents. And if you are anxious to hear the hit song “9 to 5” you won’t have to wait long as it opens the show. It also closes the show in its reprise.

In addition, the lead actors’ facial expressions and movements around the stage along with their stellar comedic timing are ovation-worthy.

Jordan B. Stocksdale and Rachel Cahoon

Other notable cast members include Diane Alonso as Roz who worships the ground Hart walks on and is a snitch. She plays the role splendidly. Tina Marie DeSimone is hilarious as the office lush Margaret Pomerance. Carter Crosby does a wonderful job as Joe, the junior accountant, who attempts to woo Violet and performs well in the tender number “Let Love Grow” in a duet with Ms. Sunday. Joey Ellinghaus convincingly plays Violet’s teenage son Josh. Jeffrey Shankle plays Judy’s separated husband Dick. On the other hand, Adam Grabau plays Doralee’s loving husband Dwayne.  And Robert Biedermann as the kind Mr. Tinsworthy delivers the fun conclusion.

The remainder of the talented company ably supports the leads with dancing and singing prowess and helps bring the show to a high level of enjoyment.

9 to 5 the Musical is the perfect escape at this time and is definitely time well spent. We hope that the conditions that gave root to the story don’t return but that’s an unknown. What is known is that the show should not be missed.

Running time. Two hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.

9 to 5 the Musical plays through March 16, 2025, at Toby’s the Dinner Theatre, 4900 Symphony Woods Rd., Columbia, MD 21044.  Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 410-730-8311or visiting here. Next up: The Music Man, March 21 to May 18.

 

The Menu is shown here.

Specialty Drink: “The Skinny n’ Sweet”

Photos by Jeri Tidwell Photography

 

The Cast in Order of Appearance and Orchestra

 

Warming Up the Audience

As he has done for many years at Toby's, veteran actor of 46 years Robert Biedermann performs a routine approximately 20 minutes prior to the show’s opening. Pacing around in a circle reminding everyone of the in-the-round stage, Mr. Biedermann navigates to the various sections in the theater to announces birthdays and anniversaries with his tongue firmly placed in his cheek and with a twinkle in his eye.

Mr. Biedermann relates well with Toby’s audiences developing a community spirit while displaying self-deprecating humor during his schtick. As an example, when announcing future shows, he pointed out that Saturday Night Fever is on the schedule, he would play the John Travolta role. Following the giggles from the audience, Mr. Biedermann promptly responded, “Thanks for the laughs,” which generated even more laughter.

A Viet Nam veteran, Mr. Biedermann’s extensive theatrical career has been highlighted by a 27 months-long national tour of The Wizard of Oz. He has appeared in over 50 Toby’s productions earning him multiple Helen Hayes nominations.

Indeed, Mr. Biedermann has been a tradition at Toby’s as much as the delicious buffet. His show before the show sets the right mood for what lies ahead.