They say timing is everything. That’s certainly the case with the Victoria Operatic Society’s latest production, 9 to 5: The Musical. Based on the 1980 movie 9 to 5, the show was originally chosen by the society’s board because of its still-current social commentary.
“I think they chose it just because it’s still so relevant,” says director and choreographer Pat Rundell. “Even though the original screenplay was created in 1979, so many of the issues that are brought up in the show are still so relevant today. You know, with the fight for $15 an hour, right down to workplace ethics and things like that. And also, equality in the workplace and fair treatment of all genders.”
The decision to take on 9 to 5 was made long before the #metoo and Time’s Up movements gained traction. Rundell admits that there are uncomfortable moments in the show.
“As we’ve moved through it, there’s definitely been some parts of the show where we go, ‘Oooh, that hits a little too close to home,’ but it’s very real at the same time,” Rundell says, adding that “having to step out of that comfort zone has been a challenge, but one that we’ve handled safely in rehearsal hall. Everyone’s got mutual respect for each other, so it’s been one that we’ve tackled together as a team.”
Still, he believes these moments are important to highlight.
“It’s amazing that almost 40 years later we’re still dealing with the same issues,” he says. “And that’s why Jane Fonda—Jane Fonda was the one who came up with the idea to create the movie—came up with the idea, to start a conversation about that issue.”
Rundell has a history with the production and says that it’s a passion project for him.
“I saw the original production of this musical before it even went to New York,” he says. “I was living in Los Angeles at the time as a student in theatre school, and we got to see the original production before it even hit Broadway. So, for me, that was kind of fun, to have seen the show in its early stages to now put my own spin on it. And in all my work, I just really love to raise issues and start conversations, and because this one is so relevant it really spoke to me.”
Rundell hopes to provide a show that will impress and entertain the audience (“There’s over 210 costumes, which is ridiculously large for a musical in this town,” he says). Still, he warns, “it is notchild-friendly. We are notholding back. It’s fun; people will have a great time, and they will kill themselves laughing, but [9 to 5character Franklin] Hart is that lying, sexist, egotistical, hypocritical bigot, and we don’t hold back on that.”
9 to 5: The Musical
Various times, May 4 to May 13
Various prices, McPherson Playhouse
rmts.bc.ca/events/9-to-5-the-musical-2018-mcpherson-playhouse