Labor Day is the expected funeral for Dolly Parton‘s Broadway effort. 9 to 5, which Parton wrote the music for, was trounced by critics, and audiences weren’t exactly arriving in droves. This, in an environment where Broadway is about to the the billion dollar mark. The musical is, however, expected to tour after leaving Broadway after its brief five-month run. (Disney’s The Litter Mermaid is also closing Labor Day.)
badlydrawnbear
I have actually seen 9 to 5 and I thought it was very entertaining, but not really memorable. Dolly’s music and songs were excellent. Roz’s solo if hysterical and the ‘girl power’ numbers are classic Dolly. The direction was lacking and the choreography was poor. Unfortunately, the biggest let down was Alison Janey who, despite being an okay substitute for Lily Tomlin, cannot sing at all.
undawater
I saw it also and thought it was better than what I was hearing. Allison Janney is not going to go down as one of Broadway’s best singers – but she still carries the show. The songs were fun if not memorable. I had a very good time. The cast is great. I admit however that I had amazing seats which probably added to my enjoyment.
Jenn
The Litter Mermaid – that’s the one about the swimming cats, right? (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)
Lance Rockland
Yet an abomination like CATS runs for 20 years.
Audiences have no taste sometimes.
Helga von ornstein
@Lance Rockland: Though I thought the same thing I’m glad you said it.
I see advertisements for South Pacific in the mornings and wonder what ever happened to that thing once called creativity. Or as that downsized too?
GranDiva
@Lance Rockland:
Audiences have no taste most times.
@Helga von ornstein:
And it only gets worse from here; coming soon: First Wives Club, The Musical, starring Sheryl Lee Ralph, Karen Ziemba, and Barbara Walsh…
Kid A
I’m hoping I’m not alone in thinking that Sweeney Todd was terrible as well? I saw the movie, hated it, and all my friends told me “well, the leads aren’t good singers and the direction is a bit off, so you should see the show.” I just thought the songs were bad regardless.