From Typewriters to Triumph: 9 to 5 Rocks the Massey Stage!
Royal City Musical Theatre’s 9 to 5: The Musical at Massey Theatre is an absolute delight — a hilarious, feel-good ride through the polyester-clad, typewriter-clicking world of the late 1970s office culture. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick (based on the classic 1980 film), this production is packed with outrageous humor, catchy songs, and a satisfying sense of justice.
At first, the singers seemed a touch tentative — except for Maia Beresford as Doralee, who shone from her very first scene with her bright, Dolly-style confidence and powerhouse vocals. But as the evening went on, the cast warmed up beautifully, and so did the audience — mostly made up of folks who knew all too well the days of “male chauvinist pigs” running the workplace. Laughter grew louder, applause became more enthusiastic, and by the end, the entire theatre was buzzing.
Leading the charge were three outstanding performers: Irene Karas Loeper as Violet, the sharp single mom who deserves to run the company; Madeleine Suddaby as Judy, the newly divorced woman finding her independence; and Maia Beresford as Doralee, showing there’s plenty of brains behind the beauty. Their camaraderie lit up the stage, and their revenge on sleazy boss Franklin Hart Jr. (a perfectly slimy Dustin Freeland) was a joy to watch.
One of the evening’s unexpected bonuses was the full 12-piece orchestra under Music Director Angus Kellett. The lush, lively sound added so much to the musical’s energy and charm. Another highlight? Watching the ladies blossom once the boss was, quite literally, “hanging around” at home — strung up by a garage door opener — giving them the chance to transform the office. They introduced flowers, family photos, childcare, rehab for Margaret the secretarial pool lush, and actual lunch breaks. It was deeply satisfying to see.
The show’s risqué jokes may have caused a few gasps, but they were true to the era — unapologetically bold and often hilarious. And who could forget the nerdy accountant Joe (Gabriel Macdonald), whose tender song revealed a surprisingly beautiful voice and stole a few hearts in the audience?
A special shout-out goes to Madeleine Suddaby’s Judy, whose divorce from cheating husband Dick led her to a triumphant, independent life — and the unforgettable novel titled Life Without Dick.
Honestly, I joined the working world as a temp secretary at age 18 and caught just the tail end of that “Mad Men” era behavior. Now, I walk past construction workers without a single catcall, and I work with male bosses who treat me with respect — or more likely, have a female boss leading the way. I don’t have to fear staying late at work, worried that a colleague or supervisor might make an unwanted move.
It’s a different world today, thanks to the women who burned their bras, marched in the streets, and fought for a seat at the table. And while most of us dreamed of payback, it took someone like Lorena Bobbitt to actually do what many only fantasized about — a shocking, unforgettable symbol of a generation’s pent-up rage. Watching 9 to 5: The Musical was a hilarious yet sobering reminder of how much women had to fight for, and how sweet it is to live in a time where respect is expected, not begged for.
9 to 5: The Musical runs until May 11, 2025, at Massey Theatre in New Westminster. Don’t miss it — it’s a hilarious and empowering night of musical theatre at its best.
Tickets at royalcitymusicaltheatre.com.
9to5Musical, #RoyalCityMusicalTheatre, #WomensRights, #WorkplaceComedy, #TheatreReview, #FeministHistory
About The Author
