NRACT Shines Like the Sun with 9 to 5 the Musical!

A few weeks ago, I told my parents that I would do anything to see 9 to 5 the Musical.  After years of seeing the movie and listening to the original cast recording, I was ready to see the show outside of a few youtube videos.  A random Facebook ad led me to hear about a local production of the show. Well, I did say I would do anything.

     

                                                            Photo courtesy of nract.org.

I was not expecting to be blown out of my seat by the sheer talent, force, and heart of North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre's production.

In 2009, Dolly Parton's musical, 9 to 5, opened on Broadway and earned fifteen Drama Desk Award nominations and four Tony Award nominations.  The show starred Allison Janney (NBC's The West Wing, CBS's Mom), Stephanie J. Block (The Boy From Oz, Wicked), Megan Hilty (NBC's SMASH, Wicked), and Marc Kudisch (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Thoroughly Modern Millie).  While the production was short-lived, it certainly lived on among Dolly and Broadway fans.

Video courtesy of ABC via youtube.

Directed by James Ilsley, NRACT's production brings together some of the area's most talented to bring the show to life.  It should be noted that, unlike other groups, the cast and crew are volunteers - simply coming together to share their love of performing with each other and their audience.

    

               Mary Reilly, Mary Beth Hollmann, and AC Donohue as Judy, Violet, & Doralee. Photo courtesy of nract.org.

The show stars Mary Beth Hollmann, AC Donohue, and Mary Reilly as Violet, Doralee, and Judy respectively.  Alongside them, Bill Andrews plays Mr. Frank Hart, Natalie Turgeon plays Roz Keith, and David Kerman as Joe.  I cannot say how talented every person in the cast is; all have powerful voices that bring down the house in every number.  

A show like 9 to 5 requires a big cast to help carry the musical numbers, but the 18 performers in this production are the epitome of the phrase "less is more."  From the  beginning, a video of Dolly Parton leads the cast through the tale of three women who begin to fight back against their egotistical boss. The same video continues throughout the show providing the audience with a sense of location, as the sets are limited.  Following Dolly's lead, the cast brings audience members into the offices and homes of the characters.

Overall, the production is nothing short of stellar.  As mentioned, everyone involved is a volunteer - simply in it because they care.  It is rare to see a live show in which everyone is performing simply for the joy of performing.  Yes, the singers and actors are talented, but the passion is what makes this show shine like the sun!

9 to 5 runs until July 26!  Get your tickets now!

Be sure to like NRACT on Facebook, twitter, and instagram!  Also, check out their website for information about the rest of the season!

A Wickedly Good Evening with Alli Mauzey and Julia Murney

Broadway Voices series has brought some of the biggest names in Broadway to Garner since it began in 2011, including Stephanie J. Block, Christiane Noll, and Norm Lewis.  This year's season was a spectacular one with guests Elizabeth Southard and Gary Mauer, Capathia Jenkins and last night's final show with Alli Mauzey. We can't wait to see what is in store for next season! 

Alli Mauzey graced the stage at the Garner Performing Arts Center with her extraordinary voice and brought her good friend and fellow Broadway star Julia Murney with her to join in on the fun!  Julia was Alli's first Elphaba when she went on as a standby for Glinda.  The two have palpable chemistry and are incredibly nice and genuine people! 

The night consisted of some old classics, some out of the box songs, and more modern stage hits.  Alli took us on a trip through her childhood in Anaheim, California and led us all the way to present day Garner where her husband, Collin Batten, is from and where his family still lives.  

The night started with "Should I Be Sweet" and included "I'm Home" from Phantom by Maury Yeston, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow,""The Sound of Music," "Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long," "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera, "How About a Hand for the Hog," "Popuar," and "Disneyland" in the first half.  After intermission she came back out with "Love is Where You Find It" and the second half included "Somewhere That's Green," an orignial song that Alli wrote with her brother when they had their band 2 AM, "Screw Loose," and "I Could Have Danced All Night."  

Alli's Husband, Collin, came out to sing a beautiful rendition of "Suddenly Seymour" with her.  Julia sang "Ring Them Bells" and Julia and Alli together sang wonderful renditions of "For Good" and "I Will Never Leave You". 

This concert was a joy to be in attendance for and we hope we have to good fortune to see them in concert again sometime! 

Don't miss the announcement of next seson's Broadway Voices guests! Follow GPAC on twitter.

Stay up to date with Alli on twitter and Julia on her website and twitter.