By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Isabel Kruse
Isabel Kruse is an internationally acclaimed, multi-genre entertainer. The Australian native is also a classically trained soprano who has an impressive resume as a stage/film actress.
Kruse has performed around the world in a wide range of locations including Australia, New York, Hyderabad (India), London’s West End, the Philippines and Los Angeles.
Her international resume also includes stints as a cast member on cruise ships such as Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises.
Since representing Australia in the 2012 World Championships of Performing Arts (awarded global acting/opera division titles), some of her most cherished roles include Rosalind (“As You Like It”, Diana Goodman (“Next to Normal”), producing/starring as Dianne in the award-winning world premiere of Justy Kosek’s “Against the Wall,” and performing her solo headliner “My Favourite Sings: A Celebration of All Things Broadway.”
Now, she has added Arden, Delaware to her list of international performance locations.
Kruse plays one of the major roles in the show “9 to 5 The Musical” which is running through October 27 at The Candlelight Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org).
Kruse spent the summer with Prather Productions, appearing as Pam in “The Full Monty” and Mother Abbess in “The Sound of Music” at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre.
“I was working with Prather Productions in Lancaster a few months ago and I heard about the show at Candlelight,” said Kruse, during a recent phone interview from her New York apartment.
“9 to 5 The Musical” is based on the 1980 movie of the same name and a book by Patricia Resnick. It centers on the downtrodden working lives of three women — Violet, Judy, and Doralee.
They all work at Consolidated Industries, which is presided over by the sexist, lecherous, and pompous, Franklin Hart. Violet has worked at Consolidated for many years but has never been given the chance to rise above senior supervisor status – even though she is capable of much more.
Judy is newly separated and joins the company having never worked before. Doralee is a sexy, happily married country girl, but she is ostracized from the other female workers. After Judy has an awful first day, Hart passes Violet over for another promotion.
When Doralee finds out that Hart has been telling everyone they are having an affair, the three women unite in their hatred of Hart.
Over a joint, they fantasize about how they would kill him. When Violet almost unwittingly poisons Hart the next day, he blackmails the three women, threatening them with the police.
Doralee ties Hart up with the phone wires and, feeling empowered, they decide to imprison him in his own house while his wife is away.
In Hart’s absence, Violet, Judy, and Doralee run the office to great effect. They introduce childcare, hour-long lunch breaks, rehab programs, and much more to benefit the staff at Consolidated.
While Hart is tied up, the women also use the time to gather evidence that Hart has been embezzling from the company, but Hart breaks free and surprises the women at the office. However, his attempts to reveal the truth about his kidnapping are foiled when the Chairman of the Board arrives to praise the company’s increased productivity. The Chairman sends Hart to head up the Bolivia office and promotes Violet to the first female CEO.
With Hart gone, the company reprise 9 to 5, in the happy knowledge that times have changed for the better.
In the production at the Candlelight Theater, Kruse plays the role of Doralee. It was the role that featured Dolly Parton in the film – a character described as a “sexy, happily married country girl.” Parton also wrote the music and lyrics for the show.
“I watched the movie for the first time during the pandemic,” said Kruse. “I was surprised I got that role in this show. I don’t usually get Dolly Parton type roles.
“I’m glad that I did. It’s been so good – so much fun. The three of us – Victoria Healy as Violet and Lauren Champlin-Moadeli (who also sings with Chester County Choral Society) as Judy — are perfectly cast.”
Kruse, who has an Australian father and a Canadian mother, grew up in Queensland, Australia.
“When I was growing up, I was into sports – cricket, hockey, soccer – and into entertainment,” said Kruse. “I started working in theater when I was 10.
“My first show was ‘Babe, the Sheep Pig’ with the local children’s theater. That hooked me. I said – this is what I’m doing for the rest of my life. I love the combination of music and theater. I’m a theater rat.”
It seems fitting that the self-described “theater rat” comes to the area to perform at a barn.
The Candlelight Theatre began as the Harvey Barn, transforming into The Robin Hood Theatre in the 1930s, and operating as a summer stock theater until the mid-1960s.
“The Candlelight is a great place,” said Kruse. “This is a really fun show and the music is fantastic. It’s not just another movie turned into a musical.
“And for me, I get to be Dolly Parton. What’s not to like? I have so much respect for that woman. Her philanthropic work is so inspiring. Dolly’s heart is what we feel during the show.
“This show gives audiences an escape from the world’s woes. Everyone leaves the theater with smiles on their faces.”
Candlelight Theatre will have performances on Friday and Saturday evenings and a Sunday matinee.
Tickets, which include a buffet meal, beverages, dessert, and free parking, are $70.50 for adults and $35 for children.
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, www.uptownwestchester.org) is presenting Home Again, a tribute to the multi-award winning singer-songwriter Carole King, on October 26 and “Sinatra and Friends” featuring Jack Giampalmi, vocalist, and Bob Wagner’s 18-piece Jump City Jazz Orchestra in concert on October 27.
Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, http://www.kennettflash.org) is presenting “Dead Flowers: A Rolling Stones Tribute” on October 25, “Solar Federation: An Evening of Rush” on October 26 and “The Jazz Jam: A Tribute to Wayne Shorter” on October 27.
Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985, www.jameyshouseofmusic.com) will host Bluestime on October 25 and Bill Toms and Hard Rain on October 26.
