Cappies Review: '9 to 5' At Westfield High School

By Cassidy Loria of Oakton High School

Joy to the Girls! The musical comedy 9 to 5 The Musical has come to Westfield High School and delivered an exciting and riveting story about girl power.

Based on the popular '80s movie of the same name, 9 to 5 follows three women, all from different walks of life, with one large similarity being their hatred of their "sexist, egotistical, hypocritical, bigot" boss. Through mishaps, mistakes, and miscalculations, they are thrown into a position where the trio has to take over for their boss as he is being "detained." With upbeat and empowering songs from 11-time Grammy Award winner Dolly Parton, and a hilarious book by Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5 provides the perfect balance of comedy and advocacy as the three characters navigate what it means to be a woman in the '80s.

Director Enza Giannone-Hosig made strong use of her ensemble, creating a vibrant workplace and pop-ins in the women's fantasies — with a particular standout being Piper Anderson, who provided several laughs.

At the center of the show were the characters Violet Newstead, Doralee Rhodes, and Judy Bernly, played fantastically by Julia Manser, Kaitlyn Long, and Elli Vlattas, respectively. Though the characters all had varying life experiences and personality traits, the actors had impeccable chemistry with one another as their budding friendship grew and grew as the story progressed. Each moment and choice they made was full of life, and they most definitely made Dolly Parton proud with their on-point at all times vocals.

Additionally, Elias Collier made waves as the narcissistic boss, Franklin Hart, Jr. His comedic timing was terrific, and he had the charisma needed to pull off a role that is truly so morally dark. One of the standout performers of the production, was Isabel Nemati as Roz Keith, the passionate and intense assistant of Mr. Hart. Nemati's starpower demanded the attention of everyone in the audience during her stage time and exuded flawless stage presence absolutely no one could ignore.

The costume department, led by the previously mentioned Nemati, integrated their ideas seamlessly into the many different mediums the show offered. From workplace attire, to a fairytale, to a club, to the wild West, each costume matched the central vibe of whatever fantasy land or real-life scenario was being played out onstage. Additionally, the sound team (led by Alexa Goodchild) and the lighting team (led by Damien McDonald), kept the focus on the performers, with no distractions.

9 to 5 at Westfield High School was the perfect story to give thanks and empowerment to the "little guy" and did so with finesse and flair.