Students involved in theater share the American dream of working 9 to 5 in the upcoming show.
Oliver Lodato (10) joined Windsor theater with experience in productions not at Windsor. While Lodato worked in tech for “The Play That Goes Wrong” last fall, this is his first acting role at for a WHS production. He sings, dances and has a speaking role toward the end. “‘9 to 5’ is about three ladies under different circumstances who end up working in this hellacious office run by this sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot,” Lodato said to describe the show.
The three ladies he mentioned are Sage Anderson (12), Opal Schlessman (12) and Libby Lightfoot (12), who play the leading roles alongside Nelson Welton (11), Owen Burnett (12) and Leah Gilmore (11).
Anderson portrays Violet Newstead, the veteran at Consolidated. Climax rises when she doesn’t receive a well-deserved raise that is given to a man in the office instead. Judy Bernly (Schlessman) — the new hire — is swept under the wing of Violet in an attempt to fit in at the office after her recent divorce. Doralee Rhodes (Lightfoot) is an efficient worker around the company; however with Franklin Hart’s (Welton’s) lust toward her, times get tough as rumors spread.
The women take it into their own hands to make a change around the office — even if that means getting their hands a little dirty in the process.
This comedic yet heart-warming show takes place in the ’70s, meaning the props are “up to date” with typewriters, files and a Xerox machine. The costumes are business attire for the consistent office setting.
The show consists of three portable set pieces that are moved off and on stage by technicians. The double-sided set pieces act as six different settings throughout the show; some include a bullpen, Mr. Hart’s office, an elevator and a restroom. Backstage is a well-rounded system of timeliness, especially with more than 15 different quick changes. Anderson has more than ten costume changes in this two-hour-long production.
Kylie Farris (11) has been photographing the program since the last musical: “Chicago.” As someone who sees the productions in a different way than most, she has been struck especially by the show: “It’s unexpected. When you start the show it’s never what you expect. It never ends how you think it will,” Farris said.
See the show on April 11, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. in the WHS auditorium. Pay at the door or visit whstheatreco.booktix.com to purchase an ticket.
