Mercy McAuley High School's 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL

Review by Anabelle Price, Larry A. Ryle High School Critic Team

With fast-paced storytelling and fabulously timed chaos, 9 to 5: The Musical transformed the stage at Mercy McAuley High School into a comedic workplace takeover that promised to be anything but business as usual.

In the early 1970s, thousands of office secretaries joined together to fight for better pay, equality, and an end to sexual harassment and misogyny in the workplace. Originally based in Boston, the real 9to5 movement inspired Patricia Resnick, who wrote the screenplay, and director Colin Higgins to create a film based on the cause, which premiered in 1980. Decades later, in 2007, the movie was adapted for the stage as the beloved 9 to 5: The Musical. Resnick returned to write the book, while Dolly Parton crafted the music and lyrics, transforming it into the iconic production known today.

Catapulting the audience into the 1970s, the cast and crew of Mercy McAuley High School delivered a truly incredible performance that felt like a time capsule come to life. With wholehearted dedication, they left no detail unaccounted for, from 155 costumes to comedically timed printers, creating a truly remarkable show.

Underappreciated and overworked, these office workers were more than just secretaries. Abby Sewell embodied the office veteran Violet Newstead. She commanded the stage with a performance that captured the tension between Violet's professionalism and vulnerability. Lydia Wright was brilliant as the adorably awkward Judy Bernley. She expertly depicted Judy's transformation into a confident and independent woman, as seen in her song "Get Out and Stay Out." Rounding out the trio with an amazing Southern Belle accent, Ali Lewis delivered a wonderful performance as Doralee Rhodes. She brought authenticity to the role by studying Dolly Parton, the inspiration for Doralee, to be able to mirror her mannerisms and physicality. This dedication shone in her rendition of "Backwards Barbie." Together, their portrayals highlighted the show's themes of empowerment and resilience.

Clark Sayre was brilliant as the sexist, egotistical, lying, and hypocritical bigot, Franklin Hart Jr. He captured Mr. Hart's awful nature in every scene he was in while making the character the audience loved to hate. Backing the leads was the energetic Dance Ensemble. Whether portraying the Consolidated office workers or dream-sequence characters, they shifted effortlessly between roles. With their amazing execution of complex choreography to their rapid costume changes, they elevated the entire production with their performances.

Behind every vibrant scene was the hardworking crew. Stage Manager, Bella Ventre, and her dedicated team ensured everything ran like clockwork. This production was physically demanding, featuring 27 set changes executed seamlessly by just five run crew members. Among these challenges was maneuvering half a car partially on stage at the end of Act 1. Their coordination and efficiency were crucial in maintaining the show's fast pace and immersive experience. Carrying the show outside the theater was the Marketing and Publicity team, headed by Ali Lewis. Together with her crew, they created an immersive and intricate lobby display with fourteen handmade cardboard cutouts of cast members and interactive buttons. They also utilized the powerful tools of social media and classic news by posting weekly on Instagram and TikTok and securing two interviews on local news stations (Fox 19 and Channel 5).

From clock-in to curtain call, 9 to 5: The Musical was a standout success, showcasing the talent and tireless dedication of Mercy McAuley High School's cast and crew.

Review by Davis Wickham, Mariemont High School Critic Team

As morning alarms rang out across the Mercy McAuley theatre stage, actors and actresses alike prepared themselves to face the day and clock in for their 9 to 5: The Musical. Just another ordinary shift? For three women in particular—not a chance.

Set in a corporate office in the late 1970s, 9 to 5: The Musical tells the story of three female office workers—an unappreciated manager, a new divorcée, and a misunderstood secretary—who unite to take down their misogynistic boss. The show blends comedy with exploration of social issues as the women reimagine their workplace, exploring themes of workplace inequality and female empowerment.

Mercy McAuley's production of 9 to 5: The Musical was a masterpiece of performance, combining every aspect of musical theatre at its best. The cast brought excellent acting, powerful vocals, and impressive choreography, while the crew presented a well-tuned set, scene-defining special effects, and a wide array of context-perfect costumes and props. Ultimately, the dedicated and combined efforts of all those involved allowed this show to touch the hearts and minds of the audience while maintaining excitement and humor throughout.

As the new divorcée of the lead power trio, Lydia Wright did an outstanding job playing Judy Bernley. Her transformation from being lost as a newly single woman to becoming independent and confident was powerfully reflected in her acting choices and performance. Additionally, her vocals were incredible, with perfect pitch, firm support, and astounding vibrato.

Driving much of the hilarity of the show were the villains of the workplace: Clark Sayre as Franklin Hart Jr., the sexist boss, and AJ Gehrum as Roz Keith, Hart's secretary and secret admirer. Sayre's performance was comically self-deprecating as he utilized exaggerated body language and expression to convey his character's brutish nature. This acting style allowed him to touch on complex issues in the workplace while presenting himself as the comic relief that kept the laughter rolling. Gehrum's performance as Roz was similarly riotous; her portrayal of extreme infatuation with Hart had onlookers roaring with laughter, and her exemplary performance of the musical number "Heart to Hart" was met with both hysterics and tumultuous applause.

Providing excellent framework and accentuations for the show was Mercy McAuley's talented crew. The costuming team, led by Halee Novak and Atlas Zimmer, was exceptional in acquiring costumes that both aligned with the '70s context and with each character. Additionally, the stage crew, led by managers Dominique Hohmeister, Bella Ventre, and Reagan Strickler, expertly maneuvered the large and numerous set pieces in such a way that the backstage area seemed akin to a hat and magic show.

With heart, humor, and powerful storytelling, the cast and crew delivered a show that not only entertained for hours but inspired forever. Although its actors and actresses may have taken their bows and clocked out for the night, the empowering message of Mercy McAuley's 9 to 5: The Musical never will.

Review by Charlotte Blase, Clark Montessori High School Critic Team

As lights dimmed and alarm clocks began to ring, Mercy McAuley High School burst right out onto the stage to deliver a production of 9 to 5: The Musical—perfectly capturing the spirit of these iconic hardworking women!

With music by country music star Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5: The Musical is based on the classic 1980 film of the same name. Tired of their exhaustingly misogynistic boss, the show follows Violet, Doralee, and Judy as they hatch a deliciously dark plan to take back control of their lives and build an empire of female empowerment, one corporate office at a time!

From exciting, bold talent onstage to beautifully crafted technical elements, the collaboration from all members of the cast and crew was perfectly executed. Expertly made costumes and sets especially served to highlight the actors' performances and transport the audience straight into the world of the show!

As office veteran Violet Newstead, Abby Sewell's demeanor grows and shifts from a defensive, dry humor to reveal a true, brightly ambitious nature after bonding with a few fast friends. Sewell's take on her character carries a power and grit uplifted by her impeccable comedic timing, particularly in her intense confrontation with Mr. Hart! The "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot," Clark Sayre is hilariously hateable as Franklin Hart Jr.! He particularly shows off his expert, over-the-top physical comedy as the commanding, loathsome boss in 'Here For You!'

But Violet couldn't have done it without her right-hand women, Judy Bernley and Doralee Rhodes. As Judy, Lydia Wright displayed an excitable nature, complemented by her simply beautiful voice. She showed off an impressive range—from her sweetly frazzled nature during her first day on the job to her skillfully scandalous performance in 'Dance of Death'! Ali Lewis is stunning as Doralee. She demanded the attention of the stage and audience alike with a strong-willed grip and dazzling voice. Armed with uproarious comedic timing and a perfect voice and cadence for country, Lewis especially flaunted her prowess in 'Cowgirl's Revenge!'

An intricately detailed set invited the audience to take a seat at a desk right along with the cast, wonderfully designed and executed by Lucy Fulmer and Abby Hayes. Each of the production's 150+ costumes was carefully chosen, designed, and/or handmade by costume leads Halee Novak and Atlas Zimmer. Every piece was perfectly suited to each person, shifting subtly to reflect each character's own growth in the story. Executed by a crew led by Dominique Hohmeister, Bella Ventre, and Reagan Strickler, the show ran at just the right pace, moving right along with the cast onstage! Each of the technical elements beautifully uplifted each other, fully enhancing the experience of the production.

In the end, Mercy McAuley's 9 to 5: The Musical was a feel-good celebration of the importance of friendship and resilience, and a wonderful tribute to the triumphs and struggles of working women. Both entertaining and deeply important, this was certainly a production to be proud of!

Excerpts From Other Top Reviews

"The technical elements of this show really brought it to life. With 155 costumes, Halee Novak and her crew did some great work. They did hours of research into the fashion of working women in the 1970s and put some beautiful costumes onstage. These included several realistic office skirts and jackets as well as some fun western outfits. To complete all these looks was the hair and makeup crew, led by Abby Campbell. With the creation of their 'Joy To The Girls Campaign,' they nominated impactful alumni and based each hair and makeup look on these girls. They then took the individual styles of these alumni and shifted them to be time period accurate. The result was bright colors and big hair that had meaning behind it."

-Loralei Warnick, Campbell County High School Critic Team

"A masterful depiction of late 20th-century office gender roles, Violet Newstead and Franklin Hart Jr., played by Abby Sewell and Clark Sayre, skillfully navigate the complicated power dynamic between men and women in the workforce while maintaining their sharp comedic timing. Sewell's expansive acting range transformed Violet from a single mother and potential murderer to a classy CEO, consistently delivering both humorous and sincere moments through her confident demeanor and purposeful choices. This display of female empowerment is complemented by Clark Sayre's portrayal of Mr. Hart. Sayre's exaggerated physicality and magnified facial expressions contributed to the numerous entertaining bits within the show, demonstrating his unique performance abilities and intricate understanding of his character."

-Alexandra Hess, Campbell County High School Critic Team

"The technical aspects of 9-5: The Musical truly solidified the skill and talent of this production. This is evident when, upon walking through the doors of Mercy McAuley, you are greeted by 14 life-size cutouts of the cast with buttons that, when pressed, say lines from the show, posters plastered all over the hallway walls, and a number that leads you to a Dolly Parton impression competition. Headed by Ali Lewis, the publicity team worked tirelessly to successfully market the show, even scheduling interviews with two local news networks! Another outstanding technical component was the run crew. Headed by Dominique Hohmeister, the run crew made sure that all 27 set changes ran smoothly, making for an overall captivating production to watch."

-Katie Shackleford, The Summit Country Day Critic Team

"However, one of the best elements of this performance is the Dolly Parton-inspired character of Doralee Rhodes and her sweet southern accent and bedazzled gun. Portrayed by Ali Lewis, her heartfelt performance of 'Backwoods Barbie' reminds us all about how damaging workplace rumors and isolation can be. Lewis emphasizes there is more to a person than just their appearance, just like fellow co-worker and alcoholic Margaret, played by Rachel Heinz. Heinz nailed her role with her clumsy mannerisms, ruffled attire, and signature flask during her every appearance."

-Abigail Price, Larry A. Ryle High School Critic Team

"The show had an equally engaging supporting cast, perhaps most exemplified by AJ Gehrum's performance as Roz Keith, Franklin Hart's assistant who exclaimed her obsession with him in the hilarious numbers 'Heart to Hart' and '5 to 9'. Roz may not be a main character, but the applause Gehrum garnered with her performance showed that she was just as beloved. Gus Wissemeier played the character of Joe, Violet's love interest, and with a voice perfect for their duet, 'Let Love Grow', their chemistry told a sweet love story as Violet learns to love again after her widowing."

-Ravyn Jones, William Mason High School Critic Team

"From super-quick, quick changes to dazzling group numbers, the Dance Ensemble gave an extremely impressive performance with raw talent and contagious energy. Specifically, during the three songs 'Dance of Death,' 'Cowgirl's Revenge,' and 'Potion Notion,' the ensemble — seemingly effortlessly — danced their hearts out to three completely different melodies, each of which required a new outfit! These performances absolutely wowed the crowd."

-Sarah Cooper, Mariemont High School Critic Team

"In just over two hours, Mercy McAuley's cast demonstrated what a large difference a little change can make. While this show may have ended, the lessons and values exemplified will live on."

-Betty Good, Mariemont High School Critic Team