Friday, May 1, 2009

9 To 5


Another film to stage musical transformation -- the well-remembered "of its time" 1980 sexual harassment comedy in which Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton got even with their boss by taking him prisoner and improving conditions at their office -- is back with Allison Janney in Tomlin's office manager role. Stephanie Block is the divorcee played by Fonda, and Megan Hilty channels Parton most charmingly. Marc Kudisch makes their chauvinist-pig boss a villain you love to hate.

Much of the humor is dated, but book author Patricia Resnick has wisely retained the original era, with amusingly anachronistic references. Parton's score -- augmented beyond the movie's title number -- is impressive in its variety. Director Joe Mantello keeps the familiar proceedings moving briskly.

(Marriott Marquis Theatre, 1535 Broadway, (212) 307-4100 or Ticketmaster.com) Print this post

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