AFD member James Grana wrote this commentary on "9 to 5 The Musical" on his Facebook page, and we just HAD to share it on the AFD blog. Jimmy directed "Titanic, The Musical" at AFD in its 2003-2004 season, as well as most recently "The Boy From Oz." He is a past president and program director of AFD Theatre.

March 13, 2018

Well, Facebook friends, it is time for me to write a little note. I have to tell you about the most wonderful experience I was treated to yesterday. It happened at AFD and their production of :9 to 5 The Musical."

I've seen, directed, acted, and reviewed many theatrical endeavors these past years. Wow! was I in for a rebirth yesterday. A classic from some few years back, but so relevant in today's lack of advancement in most things dealing with the MeToo movement. This production is a star-studded entertainment both on and off stage.

To single out an individual actor would be completely unfair. The word "ensemble" and the phase "there are no small roles, only small actors" describes each and every aspect of this production.

You might be saying, "AFD is Jim's home group so he is prejudiced." That ain't true. It has been years since an audience did a "rise and shine" after a musical number. Audience appreciation was tenfold with every set and scene change.

If you've been fortunate to see this show, you will see a mess of office desks and typewriters all over the stage. Kudos to the set designer for accomplishing this on a stage with very minimal wing space. The costumes are all more than timely for the period. As for the hair and make up design, even Dolly Parton would be envious. Lighting never a missed cue or gave us a blind spot.

The cast? If I prolong this message, you may think you are reading War and Peace. . . . The choreography didn't just happen from the legs and feet. Bodies all connected with every move added to the special dedication for excellence. Music wise, we all heard every note, every beautifully balanced sound.

Now, I have not forgotten about the director Paul Murphy. He was a magician that made all things work at all times. To do this you need insight, knowledge, and love for the project. "Love" came through loud and clear with everything connected with this production. I will be hard pressed to see such a glorious show so prevalent with much of the unfairness in the world today.

The house took off like crazy at the end of the show. Re: Yelling, standing, foot stomping, cheering. If you haven't seen it as yet, there are two more weekends to brighten your life with the pleasure of two hours at Consolidated Industries with the best employees you could ever imagine.

James Grana

Follow Jimmy's advice and reserve your seats now to see "9 to 5 The Musical"! Purchase at http://www.ticketstage.com/T/AFD.

#9to5TheMusical