Behind every successful production lies a powerhouse of creativity, ingenuity and talent. 9 to 5: The Musical, staged by the University of Surrey’s Musical Theatre Society, is no exception. With the shows fast approaching, running from 7th to 9th of March in University Hall, we thought we’d take a look back at the process of production.
9 to 5: The Musical follows three women in a corporate office who endure the oppressive leadership of their boss, Mr Hart. The women team up and concoct a plan to get even with him and end up taking control of the office to introduce positive changes to usher in a new era of empowerment and equality for all.
Behind the scenes, it’s the Creative Team who take centre stage, with the Director and Musical Theatre director heading up a team of seven. Made up of society members from both GSA students and alumni, this dedicated ensemble brings a wealth of perspective and skill to the production. Collaborating closely, their role is to meticulously plan and execute every aspect of the show, striving to deliver a seamless and unforgettable theatrical experience.
The journey of bringing “9 to 5” to life began during semester one with meticulous planning and preparation, with the Creative Team convening to discuss visions and aspirations as well as setting expectations for the show. The directing team researched the musical, noting essential aspects and looking to understand what went well and what could be redesigned to fit with the society’s retelling of the show.
Meanwhile, Musical and Assistant Musical Directors scanned the score to break down each song; gauging the difficulty of numbers determined how long each would take to teach. From script analysis to set design, every detail was carefully considered. With these initial discussions being held before the society had even finished the first showcase, a sense of urgency naturally ensued as the team worked tirelessly to lay the foundation for a successful production. A comprehensive master document for "9 to 5" was then produced, delving into every facet - from staging requirements to the subtleties of costuming and tone. This visionary blueprint influenced musical arrangements, set design, lighting cues and wardrobe choices.
Meanwhile, the musical team orchestrated all melodic aspects of the production thus ensuring a seamless fusion of rhythm and narrative, from fine-tuning vocal harmonies to coordinating with musicians for the band. Collaboration between the choreographer and musical team ensured that dance sequences complemented the numbers without overshadowing the vocals, thereby striking a balance between spectacle and storytelling.
Recognising the pivotal role of set and costume design in enhancing the narrative, our directing team spearheaded the sourcing and creation process with both set and costume designers. With assistance from the cast, this brings the show to life through meticulously-researched backdrops, while costumes serve as a means of character expression and reflection of the time period. Together, these elements converge to create an immersive and captivating theatrical experience, transporting audiences straight into the world of “9 to 5”.
We are fortunate enough to work very closely with the stage crew on all our productions and we are privileged to have a stage manager and deputy stage manager who seamlessly integrate into the creative team! They oversee the intricate details that ensure a flawless performance; everything from assigning roles to the stage crew (including lighting direction and sound design) to meticulously organising a call sheet to coordinate microphone usage among cast members during scene changes. With their diligent planning and attention to detail, they ensure that every aspect of the production operates seamlessly, thus allowing the cast to shine on stage.
Shining the spotlight on our dedicated cast members, it is both society members and individuals eager to lend their talents who serve as the driving force behind the realisation of the creative team's vision. They immerse themselves in their roles, diligently learn lines and take direction to bring their characters to life on stage. They also take their time in perfecting choreography and spatial awareness to embody the key characteristics and nuances of their characters. Additionally, they spare no effort in delivering a performance that resonates with authenticity and depth as they rehearse vocals, fine-tune solos, and harmonise for full company numbers. With rehearsals lasting just six weeks, the cast navigates a swift turnaround as show week approaches, as they transition from the rehearsal room to University Hall.
As opening night approaches, the pace intensifies with a plethora of rehearsals and preparations. Amongst this array, one that stands out as a favourite for our members is the sitzprobe. This pivotal rehearsal marks the first meeting of our cast and band, as they come together to run through the entire show with complete scores and vocals. It serves as a moment allowing everyone involved to envision the production in its entirety and gain insight into how each number will sound during performances. Following the sitzprobe, we embark on several days of tech rehearsals expertly led by stage crew. These sessions are meticulous, slow-paced run-throughs of each act, ensuring that every lighting cue, microphone level, and set change is executed appropriately or adjusted as needed. Finally, on the eve of our first performance, we undergo a dress rehearsal of the entire show to allow the cast to fully embody their characters in complete costume, surrounded by the immersive atmosphere of the set and band. It is a moment of culmination and preparation, setting the stage for an unforgettable opening night.
The journey from script to stage for "9 to 5: The Musical" has been nothing short of exhilarating for everyone involved. Through the collaborative efforts of our dedicated Creative Team, cast, and crew, we have brought to life a production that is hopefully both entertaining and thought-provoking. From the initial brainstorming sessions to the final dress rehearsal, each step of the process has been infused with passion, creativity and unwavering dedication. We look forward to sharing all our hard work with the audience and hope that it is an unforgettable theatrical experience. Don’t forget, shows are running from 7th to 9th of March at University Hall.