9 to 5 the musical – Retro Romp or Reminder?

PODCAST THEATER REVIEW by RENO LOVISON

In this musical comedy, three overworked, underpaid and unappreciated 1970’s era office secretaries seize the opportunity to kidnap and blackmail their domineering misogynist male boss in an effort to change the power dynamic and improve their working environment.

The point being made is that women are an integral part of the workplace, capable of higher order thinking and not simply flesh and blood machinery.

It may be difficult for some younger people today to consider how prevalent this thinking was prior to the 1980s and that the glass ceiling for women was very real.

9 to 5: The Musical is at the Metropolis on 111 W. Campbell Street in Arlington Heights, IL through May 26, 2024. Runtime is about 2 hours with one intermission. For tickets and information visit metropolisarts.com or call (847)577-2121.

Podcast also includes a restaurant review of Peggy Kinane’s, our pre-show dinner choice.

Cast: Janelle Sanabria, Melissa Crabtree, Savannah Sinclair, David Gordon- Johnson, Dani Goldberg.

Directed by Landree Fleming. Musical Director Harper Caruso. Scenic Design Eleanor Kahn.