If you're looking for a night of pure, unapologetic fun, look no further than Riverside Theatre's production of 9 to 5 The Musical. Running through May 10th, this rollicking celebration of female friendship, workplace revenge, and Dolly Parton's iconic songbook is firing on all cylinders, and then some. From the moment the curtain rises on the pitch-perfect 1970s office world, it's clear this cast and creative team came to work.
A Set Worth Showing Up Early For
Scenic Designer John Farrell has crafted one of the most impressive sets to grace the Riverside stage in recent memory. Deeply rooted in the aesthetic of the era, the design captures every last detail of late-70s corporate America. What truly sets it apart, however, is how fluidly it moves. Scene changes are so seamlessly executed they feel almost like part of the choreography itself, with the ensemble dancing through transitions that keep the show's energy humming without a single dead moment.
One of the production's most memorable visual touches comes as the women finally take hold of the company, the stage blooms with color and flowers, a gorgeous symbolic flourish that earns every bit of the audience's delight.
Comedy That Lands Every Single Time
The comedic performances in this production are simply extraordinary. Stacia Fernandez as Violet is an absolute riot, sharp, grounded, and hysterically funny at every turn. Kathy St. George's Roz is a scene-stealing force of nature, fully committed and gloriously over-the-top from first entrance to final bow. Ken Sandberg as the insufferable Franklin Hart is wonderfully in character throughout, landing his laughs with the precision of a seasoned comic actor.
The ensemble is no slouch either, bringing a lively, infectious energy that fills every corner of the stage. During "Around Here" in particular, not a single inch of the stage goes unused, actors play every moment with wit and commitment, making it one of the most entertaining ensemble numbers of the evening.
Judy's Dream Sequence: A Showstopping Standout
The "Joy to the Girls" fantasy sequence is a production highlight that deserves special mention. The dream logic is vivid and inventive, with set changes, lighting, and costume transformations working in perfect concert to create a truly cinematic sensation. The quick changes throughout this sequence are breathtakingly fast and impossibly clean, the kind of backstage wizardry that leaves you wondering how it's humanly possible.
Costumes, Wigs, and All the Glorious Details
Costume and Wig Designer Kurt Alger has done remarkable work here. The costumes are deeply expressive of both the time period and each character's personality, with a clever color coordination that gives the three leading ladies their own visual identity, Judy in purple, Doralee in pink, and Violet in green. The wigs are gorgeous and strikingly realistic, a feat that deserves its own round of applause.
Throughout the show, the costume changes, both planned and lightning-quick, are executed with seamless precision. It's the kind of intricate behind-the-scenes work that looks effortless precisely because so much effort went into it.
Voices, Moves, and Pure Stage Magic
A special mention must go to Emily Fink, whose portrayal of Judy is anchored by a breathtaking performance of "Get Out and Stay Out", a power ballad delivered with such raw vocal power and emotional depth that it stops the show cold in the best possible way, a genuine standout moment in an evening already full of them. Kathlynn Rodin's Doralee brings a consistently charming country accent that never wavers for a single syllable. The choreography, led by Director and Choreographer Richard Stafford, is inventive and energetic, highlighted by an elaborate, crisply synchronized tap number that brings the house down. An early slumber sequence features experimental, dreamlike movement that is surprisingly lovely, including a bed roll transition that is as cool as anything you'll see on a regional stage this season.
The props department deserves a bow as well, the show is packed with an almost infinite array of period-perfect details that enrich every scene.
An Audience That Couldn't Help But Join In
Perhaps the greatest testament to this production is the audience itself. From the opening number to the curtain call, the crowd was electric, laughing, cheering, and completely swept up in every moment. 9 to 5 is the kind of show that reminds you why live theatre exists, and Riverside Theatre's production delivers that reminder in spectacular fashion.
Do yourself a favor: clock in for this one. You won't regret it!
My name is Ava Cook and I am a Freshman at Florida Southern College in Lakeland FL. I am currently a B.F.A musical theatre major with a minor in Business Administration. I love reading, singing, acting, dancing, and writing. My favorite part about Vero Beach and Indian River County as a whole is how close the community is. Vero Vine is important to me as it allows me to do my part it bringing the community together also, sharing events, small businesses, and other local happenings. If you have any questions or any recommendations for me, my email is always open [email protected].
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