REVIEW

By Michael Gray

9 TO 5

Brentwood Operatic Society

at Brentwood Theatre

Dolly Parton's “spankin' new musical” is a feel-good feminist-lite workplace story, in which the MCP CEO (Martin Harris) is ousted, first in fantasy, then for real, by a feisty trio from his office.

The music is big-hearted and brassy, excellently handled by the Ian Southgate's off-stage rock combo.

The BOS company give it their all, with outstanding performances by Rachel Lane as the widowed mother, Louise Byrne as the Backwoods Barbie and Juliet Thomas as the band-box neat newbie.

An amazing character turn from Mandi Threadgold-Smith as dear old Roz with the hots for her boss; her Heart to Hart routine, backed by a chorus of look-alikes, is a highlight of the show.

Emma Sweeney's staging is inventive and stylish; the scene shifting is impeccably choreographed, making the most of the stage area and bringing welcome variety to this uneven crowd-pleaser of a show.