‘9 to 5’: Entertaining and enjoyable performance

CREEDE— Creede Repertory Theatre takes you back to the workplace at the end of the 1970’s with their production of “9 to 5.”
If you haven’t seen or heard of the movie, it is about three women in the workplace in ‘79 who deal with a boss who is “sexist, egotistical, lying, and hypocritical.”
After seeing the movie several different times, I was excited to see it in a musical setting. I have always been a big fan of musicals and always felt it transports the audience into the time period. After watching”9 to 5,” the cast and crew made it into a musical adaptation and had some fun with it.
Before the performance began, there was a pre-show talk about the history of that specific time period and what was happening around the United States, culturally and legislatively and how these events were integrated into the script.
Violet, Doralee and Judy were wonderfully cast and felt spot on to the personalities from how they were in the film but still made them their own. Doralee Rhodes played by Emily Van Fleet, had an amazing voice along with Violet, played by Kate Berry, and Judy, played by Regina Fernandez. These three ladies worked well together and brought many smiles and laughs along with them.
The entire cast had great energy and connection with the audience. The comedy in the one-liners mixed with the seriousness of the situation in the workplace.
Anne Faith Butler, who plays Roz Keith, was personally one of my favorites. Before the play began she came out and spoke from a memo telling the audience what to refrain from, and the laughs began there.
The set design and props throughout the play gave the 70’s vibe. The avocado green desks, the mention of a new typewriter and wood steps really embodied and felt like I was walking into another day at work back then.
Costume designer Tatyana de Pavloff showed the 70’s fashion off in true nature with high-waisted skirt, the plaid pattern, along with the ascots. I am very happy to see some of this style coming back today because it is just so great and was unappreciated.
“9 to 5” plays until Aug. 25 at CRT and I would highly recommend seeing it for some great entertainment.