BWW Reviews: 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is a Toe-Tapping Good Time

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL rehashes the familiar film's plot, inserting catchy tunes throughout. Audiences will fall in love with Violet Newstead, Judy Bernly, and Daralee Rhodes all over again as they struggle in the male dominated business world and against their egotistical and sexist boss, Franklin Hart, Jr. The women fantasize about killing him, but things move from bad to worse when Violet thinks she accidently poisoned him. Once the women come to realize that Franklin intends to blackmail them with information about the accidental poisoning, they kidnap him, take control of the office, and make some changes for the better.

Directing and choreographing the production, Nathan C. Hand deserves strong kudos. Knowing that every member of a community theatre's cast and crew are on volunteered time, I don't look at what happens on the stage the same way I would in a professional theatre. However, with a slightly larger budget for more glitz and glam in the visual presentation, I'd be willing to bet that audiences would not know that Nathan C. Hand's cast and crew wasn't professional. He directed this cast and crew to perform well above my expectations. Lines were delivered with tangible emotionality and the dancing and singing was great. Nathan C. Hand has masterfully coached his cast to deliver a highly entertaining evening of theater, and there is no denying that they do.

Monique Von Deylen is the star of this production of 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL, playing and singing her way through laudable performances as Judy Bernly. She makes Judy's transition from the weak and mild ex-housewife to the strong, independent woman believable and enjoyable for the audience. The rich emotionality Monique Von Deylen layers into "Get Out and Stay Out," her shining solo moment at the climax of the show, is simply wonderful.

Playing Violet Newstead, Donna Dagley perfectly conveys the poise of a businesswoman, but is defeated by the impenetrable glass ceiling at her office. Donna Dagley sings her role well, and shines on "Around Here" and "One of the Boys."

Andrea Mashman has large shoes to fill, playing Doralee Rhodes. Dolly Parton played Doralee in the film and Megan Hilty (playing Ivy on NBC's SMASH) originated the role on Broadway. Andrea Mashman keenly makes the role her own, while preserving all the comedy behind Doralee. She easily reduces the audience to laughter time and time again. Additionally, Andrea Mashman's delicate Country Western signing voice deftly moves us, especially her delightfully tender rendition of "Backwoods Barbie."

Brandon Del Castillo plays the vile, egotistical, sleazy slime ball Franklin Hart, Jr. to perfection. He skillfully makes the audience guffaw and bray with laughter as he objectifies the women in his office. He is so wonderfully detestable, that every member of the audience gleefully cheers on the girls as they fantasize about killing him. Moreover, his rendition of "Here For You" is hilarious and well sung.

Office Suck-up, Roz Keith, is well played and sung by Rae Lynn Cuddihy. While the audience will often dislike her because she tries to win the boss over by throwing others under the bus, Rae Lynn Cuddihy adroitly rounds out her performance by bringing a sympathetic and softer side to the character when beautifully singing "Heart to Hart" and "5 to 9."

Matthew Schell breathes excellent life into clumsy, awkward Joe. He warms our hearts with his office crush on Violet Newstead. His compassionate vocals on "Let Love Grow" are well placed and well stated.

The rest of the ensemble does remarkable jobs with their characters as well. Standout moments are Kaleb Edwards and Evin Johnson's energetic and explosive choreography.

Scenic Design by Robyn and Ed Legris is simplistic but effective. They utilize a variety of pieces on casters and curtains to allow for easy transitions between scenes. Personally, I wish set changes happened more quickly considering the design, but this is no detriment to the quality of the performance.

Evin Johnson's Lighting Design is clever and uses color well. The flash of color with the sound of a morning alarm going off at the top of the show is fun. The sun gobo used in "Shine Like the Sun" is a nice touch that could come across, as hokey or forced, but doesn't.

Sound is supervised by Nathan C. Hand, and works well for the most part. I was sitting on the side near the keyboard, so there were a few moments (like when the cast was signing with their backs to me) that I lost some lyrics to the keyboard. Yet, performing without microphones in a repurposed warehouse, I felt the cast did an excellent job projecting their voices.

Nathan C. Hand also supervised wardrobe and did a great job collecting pieces that purposely and gleefully represent the 1979 setting.

The Pearland Theatre Guild's production of 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is a toe-tapping good time that will leave a smile on your face. The cast and crew appear to be having fun with the show, which makes it easy for the audience to sit back and enjoy the ride as well.

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL runs at The Pearl Theater at 14803 Park Almeda Drive, Houston, TX through April 7, 2013. For more information and tickets, please visit http://www.pearl-theater.com or call (713) 340 - 2540.

Clockwise: Monique Von Deylen as Judy Bernly, Andrea Mashman as Doralee Rhodes, Brandon Del Castillo as Franklin Hart, Jr., and Donna Dagley as Violet Newstead.

Andrea Mashman as Doralee Rhodes & Brandon Del Castillo as Franklin Hart, Jr.

Andrea Mashman as Doralee Rhodes & Brandon Del Castillo as Franklin Hart, Jr.