With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton herself, '9 To 5 The Musical' is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge that proves a woman can do anything, even in a man's world.
Presented by Penrith Musical Comedy Company, the show is based on the 1980 hit movie, and is set in the late 1970s. Violet, Judy and Doralee whip up a plan to get revenge on their sexist, hypocritical boss, and give him the boot.
They take control, and give their workplace the makeover of their dreams.
Grant Jones, the President of Penrith Musical Comedy Company and director of '9 To 5', got to talking about the production.
What appeals to you about '9 To 5 The Musical'?
This musical showcases three female leads in a male-dominated era of the workplace. The female leads aren’t portrayed in a weak or undermining way. They are shown as three different women facing the same challenges in their work life. This provides a great opportunity to get to know the characters and allows the audience to affiliate themselves or identify themselves with one of them.
How does the show do Dolly Parton's music and lyrics justice?
Dolly Parton’s clever writing, music and composition is at its best here. The songs, except for the title song '9 To 5', are all unknown, yet continue the show along at a fast pace. The songs fill in some gaps and allows you to see more into the personal psyche of the characters in the show.
It's all about female empowerment and women taking charge… Do you think this is an important theme in a musical? Why?
The way that '9 To 5' is written is very true to its age of working women, and to some degree is still relevant in this age, in 2016. This allows for audience members to be able to resonate with some characters' plights and journeys throughout the show. The theme works for this musical without portraying the three leads as helpless can’t-do-anything-without-men characters. They all have their strengths, their highs and lows, which is intertwined into a relatable storyline.
What has been the simplest part of preparing for this show?
To be honest, the simplest part of preparing this show is the chemistry. We needed our leads to work together, not against each other, and this could have been the most difficult thing to achieve – but the three ladies playing these iconic roles embrace each other and allow each other to shine equally. Also, the other leads and supporting roles in the show have been the most amazing bunch of people to be working with. The ensemble have also been great to work with. They help bring the office and surrounding scenes together.
What has been the most difficult?
Keeping the essence of the movie but also adding our own touches to the story and characters.
As the President of Penrith Musical Comedy Company, why was it important to put this show on?
To be able to produce an Australian Premiere in the amateur theatre world is a huge coup. Bringing the spotlight back onto the coalface of theatre and being at Penrith just adds to the magic of being the first to perform this in Australia.
How do you balance directing a show with being the President of the company?
I have the most amazing production team and committee that put up with me! Changing hats isn’t as hard as it seems, as I have the production's best interest in mind with whichever hat I’ve got on. The only confusing time is at meetings when I have to present both President & Director’s reports, and I repeat myself!
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What are you hoping the audience gets from '9 To 5 The Musical'?
I want audiences to fall in love with this hysterical story all over again. The best feeling is watching the audience dancing in their seats, as well as leaving the theatre with a huge smile on their face. We know we have done our job! People looking for a good night out need to come and see it!
What is different about the musical from the 1980 film?
The show and film run very closely with the story line, so those film followers won’t be disappointed. But then, you add the songs into the mix and it gives the show an amazing, good feel to it. Where people will leave wanting more.
Describe the show using a Dolly Parton lyric!
This show is gonna “shine like the sun”!
