Musings of Two Movie-Based Musicals

Today the cast of 9 to 5 took their final bows, ending a Broadway run that lasted 4 months and 7 days. Rather than simply share my thoughts on 9 to 5 (which I saw during the LA tryout), I thought it might be interesting to compare it to another recent movie-based musical I’ve seen: Sister Act.

The two shows have quite a few similarities. Both were based successful comedic movies which had musical ties: “9 to 5” won two Grammys and was certified Platinum. Sister Act featured a large amount of singing throughout, and its soundtrack was certified Gold. Each musical also had large involvement and support from a star of the original movie cast; Dolly Parton wrote the music and lyrics of 9 to 5, while Whoopie Goldberg was a producer for Sister Act. And, to be frank, both feature rather outlandish storylines (kidnapping your boss and singing disco nuns??).

Having never seen (nor, that I can recall, heard of) either of the two original films prior to their musical’s release, I knew very little about the plot of either show. What I did know was gathered from online forum discussions, and the occasional online news article. And, to be honest, neither storyline alone was enough to really want to make me see the show.

My decision see 9 to 5 was based solely on the cast. Specifically, I went because of Megan Hilty (who I had previously seen as Glinda), and having Stephanie J Block was an added plus. Had I not been familiar with any of the cast, I doubt I would have gone.

All I knew about the cast of Sister Act was it included Katie Rowley Jones (who I had previously seen as Nessa), but I had no idea how large or small a part Katie played. My decision to go was actually made after seeing the cast perform “Raise Your Voice,” at West End Live in Leicester Square. I loved the song, the energy from the cast, and seeing Katie belt out her solo sure didn’t hurt. I was hooked, and a mere two days later went to see the show.

Both shows are the type to see when you’re simply looking to have fun and be entertained, and they both certainly made me laugh. Stephanie J Block has surprisingly good comedic timing, and Claire Greenway and Julia Sutton were standout among Sister Act’s nuns. However, both shows had their weaknesses as well, including a few songs each I certainly could do without. In 9 to 5 my attention wandered when the focus was on Mr. Hart or Roz, and in Sister Act I felt it slowed down when we were with Shank and his cronies for too long.

But when it comes to songs I really did enjoy, Sister Act takes the lead. Just about everything featuring the nuns was enjoyable, and especially entertaining to watch. Katie Rowley Jones ended up being one of my favorite parts of the show, and her “The Life I Never Led” is my most played of the cast recording.

Of the songs in 9 to 5, Stephanie’s big belting “Get Out And Stay Out” is the only one I really listen to repeatedly. The song I was most looking forward to having on the cast recording, “Out of Control,” ended up being cut from the show. While the songs work within the context of the show, I don’t find the majority very catchy, nor do I find myself with much of a desire to listen to them.

I could go on with comparisons, but overall, I left 9 to 5 with no real desire to see it again, except perhaps once on Broadway if I ever got the chance, just to see what changes were made. On the other hand, I would love to see Sister Act again if I had the opportunity. No doubt much of this is based upon my personal preference, as while I wouldn't call 9 to 5 a bad musical, by any means, I just didn't care much for the story.

Perhaps it’s not completely fair for me to compare the two, considering I saw 9 to 5 while it was still being worked on in LA, but considering the similarities, I couldn’t help but look at the two side-by-side. It will certainly be interesting to see how well Sister Act continues to do in the West End, and what type of reception 9 to 5 receives when it goes on the road next year.