Dollywood dreaming
Showbiz Queenstown are bringing 9 to 5 the Musical to the Memorial Centre this week. The show features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Opening night for the company’s annual production is this Thursday with nine shows running until Saturday, 23 May.
The show follows three unlikely female friends as they take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can’t do – even in a man’s world. It’s funny in parts and wholesome in others – the story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and a little romantic. Zelia Grizzo will take on Violet Newstead in the production, who’s a hard-working single mum.
“She’s really ambitious, has quite a dry wit, doesn’t really stand for any nonsense, but also has a good sense of humour,” Grizzo says. “She’s quite similar to me, in all honesty.”
She’s really enjoyed preparing for the show and the comradery that has formed between the cast and crew. The group have been rehearsing since February, so everyone has grown close, in the same way the three ladies of the office do - her character befriends Doralee Rhodes and Judy Bernly, with the trio banding together.
“It’s set back in the late 70s, early 80s, where chauvinism was at its peak, and we’ve got a male boss who has been causing us a bit of grief. We basically reach our limit and then it all just gets a little bit farcical – because it’s a comedy – and we essentially kidnap the boss and decide to start running the office ourselves. All sorts of chaos ensues.”
Natasha Wilson plays Judy Bernly and echoes Grizzo’s sentiments on the positive atmosphere in rehearsals. Wilson is a singing teacher that has performed in shows in the past, but not for a wee while. She worked as musical director for the past two Showbiz shows – last year she decided to audition and says it’s awesome to be back on stage.
“When the show was announced it was a role that I felt I could do, and that I really resonated with, so I just felt like I couldn’t not give it a shot,” Wilson says. “I really love the three female characters and what the show’s all about.”
Wilson also drew a few parallels to her character, explaining that Judy at times appears to be vulnerable and in the beginning, comes across as weak, but she’s actually not at all. She’s funny without realising it and is strong underneath all the vulnerability.
“Most of the women I know possess those qualities. I see a lot of the women that I’m close with in all three characters, but definitely in Judy.”
The show will make for a whimsical experience with singing along encouraged, an upbeat atmosphere and a transformed Memorial Centre into a Dollywood dream. Everyone involved, cast and crew, share a love for the arts and that passion certainly comes across on stage. Both Wilson and Grizzo wanted to give a big shoutout to all those involved in the show onstage and behind the scenes.
“It’s going to be very entertaining. It’s fast moving and I guarantee you’ll leave feeling really good because you’ll laugh – there’s some really hysterical cameos and characters in the show. It’s going to be a really fun night out.”
9 to 5 the Musical will run from 14 – 23 May at Queenstown Memorial Centre with one matinée show on Sunday, 17 May. For tickets, a full list of the cast and crew, and more information, head to showbizqueenstown.com
