Why you must watch Casey Donovan in 9 to 5 the Musical
It’s far from 9 to 5 but Casey Donovan is nailing the musical theatre gig – her name now a reason to buy tickets every time.
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Casey Donovan has really found a way to make a living.
It’s far from 9 to 5 but she is nailing the musical theatre gig – her name now a reason to buy tickets every time.
From her performance in Ben Elton’s We Will Rock You to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, her powerful voice sends her character’s soul right through the theatre.
But stepping into the role of a heartbroken housewife starting out at a busy firm, Donovan proved she brings comedic delivery to the stage too.
Housewife Judy Bernly begins her first job at Consolidated after her husband leaves her for his young secretary whom he cheated on Judy with.
She befriends Violet Newstead, played by Marina Prior, who is barely recognisable as she pulls her hair back to play the smart and sassy career woman set to overhaul the workplace for women.
Together with Doralee Rhodes, a country gal played by Erin Clare, the enterprising women put their boss Franklin Hart Jnr, played by Eddie Perfect of Offspring fame, in his place.
That place is hilarious and incredulous but all part of the fun as they prove women can effect change and drive efficiency in the workplace through flexibility, camaraderie and wit.
9 to 5 is playing at QPAC in Brisbane right now until July 2 after a successful run in Sydney.
It is based off the 1980 film of the same name starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton – a feisty trio juggling office politics and a misogynist boss and helped set the stage for working women to prove their worth the world over.
While there might still be work to do on pay equality in this country, we have come a long way from the movie that popularised what was happening in businesses all over the world.
Fonda and Tomlin, successful in their own right, are still ensuring they make a statement on the screen – normalising the fears women face getting older as the stars of the Netflix series Grace and Frankie.
Parton – who injects herself into the Brisbane musical in an ingenious way — is admired the world over for what she has done for music, feminism and charity.
The stars of the Australian 9 to 5 production have big shoes to fill but they excel as the lead characters in a fun but reverent look at an important moment in time.
The opening and closing scenes are everything you want from a stage production of 9 to 5 but the story, high notes and fun in between are worth every cent.
My only criticism – I honestly thought there would be more Dolly Parton songs and was waiting to hear Donovan or Prior belt out Jolene.
Tickets are $69 to $189. Visit the QPAC website for more information.
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