Entertainment ~ Local Theatre

With CATHY BURNESS

Ihave been waiting for this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the original 9 to 5 movie with Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. They were a fantastic, albeit unlikely trio of heroines. As you may be aware, they have worked together on other projects and their chemistry is unmistakable. That was part of the magic along with the gags, one-liners and a spotlight on the inequality often experienced in the workplace. If only……there had been……music!!!

So here I am at 9 to 5 The Musical. I did a little research and discovered that Dolly herself composed all the music for this play. I’m not even a Country music lover, but I know that she has written some amazing music, some Country, some more mainstream. I guess here in Alberta, Country music is mainstream, but you get what I’m saying. I was curious about how the story came about and the program informed me that the original story was written by Patricia Resnick and the film was one of the top-grossing films of all time. It goes on to say that she is working on a 9 to 5 film sequel. Now that’s exciting.

On with the show. The setting is a very traditional looking office in the 1970s. We could see the familiar office desk, chair and other equipment on the stage. Before the show started, we were pleasantly surprised with a video introduction by Dolly Parton. It was a special touch and much appreciated. Within a couple of minutes, we were treated to a big song and dance number of, you guessed it, 9 to 5. The costumes were reflective of the year right down to the exercise tights and leotard. The costumes at Stage West are always exceptional and they really add another dimension to the show.

Before long we were introduced to Mr. Hart, who is the antagonist of this story. He wastes no time before saying something completely sexist and inappropriate, living up to his reputation as a ‘sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot’. I always enjoy a little good nostalgia and there are some nice tidbits in this production. One example is when a few of the secretaries are discussing the latest and greatest features of the new typewriters. Apparently, the new ones have a special eraser ribbon, so they don’t have to use the corrective liquid anymore. Yes, I remember those days.

The musical numbers were all good, but there was a song about ‘keep on keeping on and we might just make it’. The harmonies were wonderful. These ladies can sing.

Roz is Mr. Hart’s dowdy assistant who has a bit of a thing for Mr. Hart. At one point she performed a number expressing her true feelings to the audience and she had no trouble shaking off that introverted demeanor we had seen earlier. She embraced her inner animal and had the moves to prove it. She was surrounded by dancers in red dresses, producing a beautiful fluttering of crimson. I loved this number. Elinor Holt did a great job, and all eyes were on her for the whole scene. She was hilarious, and clearly very talented.

I’m pretty sure that April Cook was channeling Dolly Parton. She was so believable as the iconic Doralee, who had been portrayed by Dolly Parton in the movie. She had the dialect, the moves and a great voice. She made us care about Doralee, especially when all the other women in the office thought she was a trollup. That my Dad’s word for, well, a woman who has a reputation for being close to the wrong people, for the wrong reasons. They really did a great job with the casting of these roles.

Another of my favourite scenes included music that reminded me of the original big screen Disney films, complete with forest creatures singing in harmony. This number was amazing and took me back to when I first sat in complete wonder at the showing of Snow White and similar movies. I loved this. Oops, I said that already.

Part of the magic at Stage West is the live music. It truly makes a difference and I love it. Oops, there I go again.

The whole cast did a wonderful job of recreating this magical story. Who among us has never wanted to make those changes at the office that will likely never happen? Have you ever wanted to show people who really runs things? I think most of us can relate to this story, which is another reason for its appeal.

There is a scene where Judy sings about how she does not need a man and she is taking her life back. This is another important message. She didn’t need a man. Of course, there are good men. Doralee is married to one of the good ones, who sees the real ‘her’ and understands the prejudice that she lives with.

Apparently, the song and story were inspired by a group of Boston secretaries who took an unconventional approach to spotlight issues like pay inequities and sexual harassment in the workplace. Good on them! We still experience these things today, but we are much more likely to reach out and seek help. I know that things must have improved because there was a time when the wildly inappropriate things that were said and done seemed like no big thing and were brushed off as unimportant. That just doesn’t fly anymore. Another important message from another wonderfully entertaining adventure at Stage West.

100 Women Who Care

100 Women Who Care (or 100

Who Care) groups are making a difference in their communities around the world by strengthening and growing the giving circle movement.

100 Women Who Care Chestermere launched in mid-October 2021, and the first giving circle meeting was held on February 3, 2022. At that meeting, $3,100 was donated to the Community Therapy Dogs Society.

100 Women Who Care Chestermere is a group of local women who care about the Chestermere community and want to make a big impact within the community, but don’t necessarily have the time to commit to helping make that impact. Members commit to four one-hour meetings a year and donate $100 to a local charity or not for profit organization voted on by the members at each meeting. The next meeting is Thursday, November 3, 2022. If you would like to join and help make a huge impact in the community, please visit our website chestermere100.ca.

When: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Where: • Lakeshore Manor, 200 Marina Drive, Chestermere Special DopneldaGuest: Lang (Elder Abuse for PCN) RSVP: • jumpmaster2@shaw.ca

• illingw8@telus.net

Walk-ins welcome, RSVP appreciated

Chestermere Lions Club

Meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm Meetings are currently by zoom. Checkout our facebook page for more information,

Chestermere Christian Fellowship Services: Sunday 10:00 am

Pastor Vince VanderVeen 403-204-2079

1.6 km north of Hwy 1 on Conrich Road

Camp Chestermere Camp Chestermere is OPEN for Day Care, Rentals, and Community Events! We’ve even opened up registration for Summer 2021 Day and Overnight Camps! We are constantly reviewing and updating our policies to fall in line with current COVID protocols. Contact us today to find out how we can serve you and your needs. More at www.campchestermere.com

The Chestermere Fine Art Guild

The Chestermere Fine Art Guild meets every Thursday at 1pm, at the Recreation Centre North side, upstairs in room 2. Come and explore your artistic potential. Welcoming new members beginner to advanced. Like us on Facebook and email chestermereartguild@gmail.com

Lakeside Quilters’ Guild Meeting each month at the Chestermere Recreation Centre on the first Wednesday of each month. Sew days are on the third Wednesday of each month and a sew Saturday each month, including summer. Quilting experience not required, new members welcome. For more information please contact Joyce at 403-383-1940.

St. Gabriel's the Archangel Parish

Catholics in Chestermere: Weekend masses are now open for public celebration without seating restrictions at St. Gabriel’s Catholic School (197 Invermere Dr.). There is no longer advanced registration required to attend mass (Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am, and 10:30 am), but please stay home if you feel sick that day. For more information please call 403-455-0196

The Rotary Club Of Chestermere

Holds virtual meetings via Zoom on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 5:00pm and hosts in-person “Socials” at local venues on the last Wednesday of the month.

Guests are warmly welcomed to “Zoom in” to our virtual meeting or join us for some social time when they can!

Please email us for more information at: rotarychestermere@gmail.com

Check out our website at: www.rotarychestermere.org