A Fabulous, Drag, ‘9 to 5’ Live! at Oasis
Guests jockey for space around the stage of Oasis in San Francisco. As they sip on cleverly named cocktails for the evening’s event the red curtains part. The blond head of Jubilee peaks out. Soon after, a mighty chest follows and Dolly Parton’s iconic song begins. “9-5 Live” has arrived and it is not to be missed!
Doralee played by Jubilee in 9-5 Live at Oasis. Photo by James Estevez
This remake written by Joe “Jubilee” Wadlington and directed by Elsa Touche is based on the beloved 1980 film starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. It is both a tribute to beloved icons as well as a satirical reminder of how much more needs to change in the American workplace. Jota Mercury plays the sexist and villainous boss Franklin J. Hart. His tiny stature only adds to the hilarity as he cranes his neck up to assert his dominance. Hart strusts and fondles Doralee (Jubilee) with expert inappropriateness. He loves on an overlarge and suggestively shaped paperweight on his desk between bouts of harassment and the audience lives for it.
Roz Keith (Elsa Touche), Violet Newstead (Coco Buttah) and Judy Bernly (Vanilla Meringue)in 9-5 Live at Oasis. Photo by James Estevez.
Meanwhile, employee Violet (Coco Buttah) is a seething, eye-twitching, ball of undiluted rage. The new employee Judy (Vanilla Meringue) is newly divorced and teetering on her own emotional edge. The office sneak Roz (Elsa Touche) adds just the right amount of snark. Mix all of these elements together, add in the considerable talents of Titus Androgynous and Tater Tatas, and you’ve got a delectable powder keg ready to go for your viewing pleasure. This production stays true to the message of the original version while updating it to address issues in the workplace that are still prevalent today.
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Coca Buttah as Violet Newstead adding just the right touch of glass ceiling rage in 9-5 Live at Oasis. Photo by James Estevez.
“I’m thrilled to be bringing ‘9 to 5: Live’ to the legendary Oasis stage!” said Elsa Touche. “Our cast of beloved Bay Area drag performers delivers a fresh, fun, and funny take on this classic comedy — it’s both timeless and timely: the workplace is arguably worse than ever, and I think a lot of us can still relate to dealing with a sexist, egotistical, lying hypocritical bigot in charge!”
9-5 Live will play through February 3rd.
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