By Mason Vargas
For the 2024 to 2025 school year Westmont’s Theatre Department performed the musical production 9 to 5. The show takes place in the late 1970s at Consolidated industries. Three women of different backgrounds, Violet Newstead, Judy Bernly, and Doralee Rhodes, all find themselves in an unexpected predicament as Violet accidentally poisons their ludicrous, lying, and corrupt boss Franklin Hart. After Mr. Hart finds out, he blackmails them however they decide to imprison him in his home while his wife is away. The office, secretly ran by Violet, Judy, and Doralee improves dramatically and following a visit by the chairman of the board, is removed of Mr. Hart’s management sees Violet Newstead as the first female CEO.
Westmont Theatres’ production of 9 to 5 was galvanizing. A talented cast left me with goosebumps with their singing throughout the show and left the audience immersed, believing that they really were the characters they portrayed. The leads, Jonah Martinez as Franklin Hart, Allyson Jezyk as Violet Newstead, Shreya Ghoshal as Judy Bernly, and Sarah Ruebenson as Doralee Rhodes captivated the audience with their powerful singing and talented acting skills. Any show is elevated immensely by a talented cast and 9 to 5 is the epitome of this. Another cast member I would like to highlight is Emi Gruender, as Roz Keith. Roz is a member of Consolidated Industries who is not-so-secretly in love with Mr. Hart, her love-crazed character, provided comedic relief in some instances and was executed perfectly by Emi.
Westmont Theatre’s production of 9 to 5 was an impressive and memorable performance. The combination of a talented cast, strong direction, and engaging story brought the characters and their journey to life in a way that captivated the audience. The performances of the leads, along with standout moments from supporting cast members like Emi Gruender, made for a show that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s clear that the dedication and skill of everyone involved in the production made this a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.