Theater Review: '9 to 5' by Southington Community Theatre

Review by Naugatuck Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis

Southington Community Theatre allowed me to attend a final dress rehearsal of their upcoming production of “9 to 5 The Musical.” Performances will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday at DePaolo Middle School in Cheshire.

This fun musical has music and lyrics by none other than Dolly Parton, a book written by Patricia Resnick, based on the 20th Century Fox film. The Southington production is directed by Jocelyn Perlini and Eddie Perlini, with musical direction by Bruce Barger. The charming choreography is by Kiera Flynn and Mary Perlini serves as the show’s producer.

The show is set in the late 1970s. It tells an often hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the era of the Rolodex that is outrageous, a little romantic and hopefully thought-provoking.

The Perlinis note that when the company embarked on the journey of bringing “9 to 5” to the stage, they were drawn “not only to the story’s rich characters and themes but also to its relevance in our world today. What was true 45 years ago, still holds true today. The universal ideas and emotions of love, fear, resilience, and hope; to be seen and to be heard remain unchanged.”

The directors set out to make connections with their audience and they have succeeded. “We hope 9 to 5 brings you laughter, contemplation, and perhaps even a new perspective,” they write in the printed program.

Chrissy Flynn leads the cast in the role of Violet Newstead, the woman who runs the office but is uncredited. Natalie Pyle proves herself a singer in the role of Judy Bernly, the ex-wife of Dick, played by Silvio D’Angostino. She shines in “Get Out and Stay Out.” Paige Gumpert nails the Southern accent and the moves of the sexy Doralee Rhodes.

Meghan Canastar gets to bring to life the office tattler, Roz Keith. Tyler Bard steps up to play the adoring husband of Doralee, among other ensemble roles.

Jared Watterworth brings the smarmy villain Franklin Hart, the worst boss ever. Katie Messina steps up to play Missy Hart. Brooke Owens is a delight as Dolly, a narrator of the story.

Adam Viviano plays Violet’s young son Josh and Sal Vernali plays Russell Tinsworthy as well as a police detective. Brett Simms has a certain charm in the role of Joe (“Let Love Grow.”)

In the hardworking and well-rehearsed ensemble are Kimberly Campagna, Dana Culligan, Amber Cunningham-Brail, Kathy Dayton, Kerry Decker, Josslyn DeCrosta (Margaret,) Patricia Dziob, Emily Gerrish (Kathy,) Jazmin Lorenzo (Maria Delgado,) Jenna Patton, Joanne Rafferty, Emily Stagg, Ashley St. Pierre (Doctor,) and Lillian Ulan.

The inclusive cast brings together many ages and sizes, and everyone works together as a team. Faith Auletta was in charge of both costumes and props of the period, providing many lovely changes for the majority of the characters.

The set design by Sandy Fravel brings the office where the women toil to the DePaulo stage. The choreography is great, especially with colorful file folders for “Around Here.” The fantasy scenes for “Dance of Death,” "Cowgirls Revenge,” and “Potion Notion” are presented well.

There is much to enjoy in this production, even if some of the story elements are preposterous. There are just a few four-letter words in the script.

Southington Community Theatre is a non-profit performing arts group based in Southington.
Tickets are still available for shows Thursday through Saturday. Come see this dedicated cast and crew present “9 to 5” this weekend. Tickets at southingtoncommunitytheatre.org/9-to-5