Fun and Feminism from "9 to 5"
Review of 9 to 5 at Village Theatre
Written by TeenTix Newsroom Writer SERENA MOCK
Edited by Teen Editorial Staff Member MARIELA VIDELA
No one wants to work for a sleazy boss and have to argue for equal pay, but if I ever do, I'd want the smart, funny women in 9 to 5 as my colleagues. The Village Theatre’s production of 9 to 5 is a comedic, women-led effort to take on workplace inequality. Well known as a film, the musical features a book by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by renowned country singer Dolly Parton. Although the story was first written in 1980, it still resonates today.
Set in 1979, 9 to 5 follows three secretaries—Violet, Doralee, and Judy—as they sing and dance their way through revenge against their sexist, egotistical boss, challenging the cultural norms that limit their professional opportunities. Initially, their workplace life at Consolidated Industries is bleak. For women, there is no hope for a raise or promotion and no sense of camaraderie. But when Violet, Doralee, and Judy realize they have a common enemy in their boss, they unite to improve the workplace.
If you’ve seen the movie version of 9 to 5, you might be worried that a stage adaptation will struggle to match the film’s iconic performances and variety of settings. However, Village Theatre’s production pulls off more than 20 locations with constantly changing sets that capture everything from a grim office to ‘70s home interiors. The use of simple but iconic items on stage, like a big ‘70s photocopier and typewriters, creatively transports the audience back in time. The costuming also carries the ‘70s flair and emphasizes when characters have major personal breakthroughs. For example, when Violet, Doralee, and Judy share their revenge fantasies, their clothes are transformed with color. As the women take over the office, the bland, dreary brown attire and sets are replaced with purple pantsuits, vivid green plants on desks, and colorful dresses.
Directed by Katy Tabb, the production’s talented, lively cast is on par with the movie, which featured famous actresses such as Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton. Village Theatre’s three leads—Kristin Burch as Doralee, Sarah Rose Davis as Judy, and Beth DeVries as Violet—all have amazing voices and are just as strong comedians as their Hollywood counterparts. Judy’s ballad when she finds the self-confidence to fully move on from her ex is a powerful, sweet experience amid all the comedic moments. Brandon O'Neill, who plays the self-absorbed boss Franklin Hart Jr, exudes slimy sexism. His song “Here for You” is the epitome of this, and all-around wonderfully sleazy fun.
Throughout the production, the original story’s humor and relatability are heightened as characters reveal new or suppressed sides of themselves. Bobbi Kotula as Mr. Hart’s assistant, Roz, surprises the audience with her unleashed passion for Mr. Hart, right down to the heart decorations shaking from her bra during her declaration of love. The three female leads all eventually defy the stereotypes that initially define them. As the audience, we cheer them on as they become allies and take over the office with their smarts and hearts.
I went to see 9 to 5 expecting it to be entirely unrelated to my future workplace. Today, calling women “girls,” making sexual advances towards employees, and blatantly promoting only men would be an embarrassment to any company and could result in a lawsuit. However, I found that many of the issues the characters struggle with in 9 to 5 are still faced by working women today, such as the pay gap between men and women and childcare challenges. Lyrics from the song “9 to 5” stand out for their continuing relevance: “It's a rich man's game / No matter what they call it / And you spend your life / Putting money in his wallet.” The issue of wage disparity and CEO compensation remains headline news. Just this month, The Seattle Times reported the growing gap between CEO and median worker salaries, with some top executives making nearly $100 million a year, compared to $14,674 for a Starbucks barista and $200,972 for a Microsoft worker.
In addition to being surprised by the enduring relevance of 9 to 5, I also discovered how much I enjoyed Dolly Parton’s songwriting. As a teen from the Pacific Northwest, Dolly Parton is relatively unknown to me. Her brand as a country singer-songwriter has excluded her from the type of music I usually listen to. However, I found the songs catchy and poetic, with upbeat rhythms not dissimilar to those of pop music. I even found myself listening to the soundtrack on Spotify the next day!
Anyone can enjoy a humorous revenge story, and 9 to 5 is a great time, whether you’re a teenager or a seasoned employee. This production will have you smiling from the beginning, rooting for workplace equality, and singing along as the cast takes their bows.
Lead photo: Kristin Burch, Sarah Rose Davis, Beth DeVries, and Brandon O’Neill in 9 to 5 at Village Theatre. Photo by Auston James (2025).
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