Review: 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL at the BroadHollow Theatre Company in Elmont

"9 to 5" is Broadhollow at Elmont's latest musical and it is a hoot! Those familiar with the vintage movie and those currently in the working world will certainly enjoy this timeless tale of three secretaries getting revenge on their "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" of a boss. Dolly Parton, who starred in the film along with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, created the music and lyrics to accompany the Broadway musical which played a brief run in 2009. A national tour of the show followed as well as several regional Theater Productions. Now at the Broadhollow, Violet, Judy, and Doralee are back and better than ever!

I happened to see the elaborate Broadway production twice and this version of the show is certainly more intimate and tight. The movie screenplay serves as the basis for the stage script with a few tweaks. There are some surprises for those obsessed with the movie, like myself, yet it's the same comedy we all fell in love with and the same characters some of us aspire to be.

Annmarie Fabricatore is a wonderful Violet competing for the top spot in a male dominated working world. She may or may not have poisoned her boss Mr. Hart, played by the dashing Brodie Louis Centauro, but together with her talented colleagues Lindsay Defranco and Jaclyn Hashim as Judy and Doralee, they somehow give the boss what he deserves and rise to prominence. Ms. Hashim can belt out a song unbelievably and Ms. Defranco's comic timing had the audience in stitches. This triumphant threesome lead the company to victory and paved the way for the future leaders of tomorrow.

Other fantastic performances were given by Erin Bonura, Morgan Faye, Jackie Mienkiewicz, Mark Strauss, and Anthony Pizzuti. David Tucciarone, who apparently lives and breathes Long Island theater, is especially terrific as Josh Newstead and an office intern. He juggles both roles while singing and dancing up a storm.

The greatest performance of the show was given by the magnificent Kristen Keller as Roz, Mr. Hart's "eyes and ears" assistant. She commanded the stage with a hysterical yet sensitive portrayal of the company spy who happens to have a major crush on the boss. I can't wait to see her as the leading lady someday! She apparently can do anything and everything!

"9 to 5" is quite the adventure lead by director Jason P. Allyn who also co-choreographed with Ms. Mienkiewicz. Bringing these characters to life and enriching them with feelings and frenzy was no easy task. Everyone loves a trip back to the 70's where things were a lot calmer, slower and simpler. This sensational production of "9 to 5" makes you want to go back there and stay there!

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Performance Dates: March 4 at 8:00 p.m. and March 5 at 2:30 p.m.

Location: BroadHollow at Elmont

Contact: 516-775-4420

Musical by Dolly Parton & Patricia Resnick

9 To 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.

Starring: Sinead Atkinson/Angela Catsaros as Kathy/Candy Striper, Erin Bonura as Maria/Ensemble, Brodie Louis Centauro as Franklin Hart, Lindsay Defranco as Judy Bernly, Annmarie Fabricatore as Violet Newstead, Morgan Faye as Office Girl, Jaclyn Hashim/Kelsey Gronda as Doralee Rhodes, Kristen Keller/Sinead Atkinson as Roz Keith, Mike Koullias/Joe Bebry as Bob Enright/Doctor/Security Guard, Jackie Mienkiewicz as Missy Hart, Anthony Pizzuti as Dick Bernly/Detective, Eric Rectanus as Dwayne Rhodes/Russell Tinsworth, Nikki Schettino as Office Girl, Mark Strauss as Joe, David Tucciarone as Josh Newstead/Intern and Jenna Wolf/Carrie Heffernan as Margaret.

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