Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Part of the problem is that the material was never a great fit for the stage - "9 to 5" was a 1980 caper movie, you may recall, and it involves a group of women who not only rebel against their abusive boss, they tie him up and cart him all over the place, thus chopping up Act 2 of the show into short little scenes in loads of different locales that were tough to stage on Broadway, let alone in a long, rectangular room."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...The three women eventually band together with a wacky plan to take control of their destinies, and the journey is an alchemic mix of cockeyed optimism, admirable grit, and empowering song-and-dance numbers. As Mr. Hart's devotee Roz, Veronica Garza steals the show from an already inspired cast, eliciting uncontrollable laughing fits with her rendition of "Heart to Hart.""
Theatre By Numbers - Recommended
"...The difference between 1980 and now is one of amplification, making "9 to 5 The Musical" a smart production choice in our #MeToo era. The past several months have shown that women, across many professional spheres, are no longer willing to stay silent about the injustices they face, and that lifting their voices in unison is the only way to change society. Firebrand Theatre's "9 to 5" may not entirely rise above its clunky book, but when its women join together in song, there is no question that this feminist, women-driven theatre company empowers its artists and emulates a better world for its the audience."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"..."9 to 5" is the year's final production from this unique feminist theatre company, as they finish their inaugural season. The theme of Dolly Parton's fizzy and funny musical plays right into Firebrand's mission. But it's really the terrific casting, gorgeous vocals and talented musical accompaniment that make this production "shine like the sun.""
The Fourth Walsh - Recommended
"...Firebrand picks a fun romp for its second show. I watched it remembering the olden days of typewriters and carbon paper and thinking ‘we’ve come a long way, baby!’. The technology advancements in the forty years since the movie are astounding. Unfortunately, the same is not true of women in the workplace. Wages, double standards, male abuse of power, and the devastating HRC defeat are all present day, painful realities. The recent #metoo initiative is a long awaited step in the right direction but it is long journey to equity. Meanwhile, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is a frothy, fun outing for feminists, young and old. WARNING: it’ll be days before you stop humming the song ‘9 to 5’."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended
"...It’s important the music is stellar, because the production is hampered somewhat by the space in which it’s staged The Den’s long, rectangular Bookspan Theatre is set with a raised platform that represents the upstairs executive office and includes a rather precarious staircase from the platform to the large stage floor, with seating directly stage left and at center. It’s an odd setup that combines with a plethora of hard surfaces (including brick walls) to seriously challenge the best of sound engineers, particularly during the office scenes. And another personal nit—Costume Designer Virginia Varland needs a little more budget because the three leads, at least, need a couple of costume changes to carry off a plot that spans several days."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...The high jinks of the Broadway version of this show felt more frivolous musical comedy and less like the 1980 film that energized a movement or the transformational Firebrand edition now playing on North Milwaukee Avenue. It is a story about three women who face personal and professional challenges in the workplace brought about by a despicable, sexist employer. On the way home you will be humming the familiar tunes and thinking that the more things change, the more they stay the same."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...Shoulder pads, knee-length skirts, feathered hair, and even rotary phones have been resurrected for a new production of 9 to 5 The Musical. The color yellow welcomes you into the space as it's on the floor and the color of the stairs leading up to Mr. Hart's Office. The office has a very stark contrast to the bright yellow leading up to it and has fake wood paneling that actually resembles most of the 80's movies that have office scenes. It also has a massive wooden desk in front of a copy the Rape of Persephone depicting Persephone being abducted by Pluto as someone looks on from the corner of the frame. The dark office and artwork depicting an assault looms over the yellow-infused playing space and the band that is tucked near a section of seating."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...To see the women of this piece form a united front against sexism, harassment and bigotry is profoundly moving, fully necessary, and at the heart of Firebrand's essential mission. The production has its flaws, but I would choose it, every time, above work that lacks its passion and awareness."
