9 to 5 The Musical
What a way to make a living!
The original Broadway production of 9 to 5 the Musical opened at the Marquis Theatre on April 30th 2009, and was well received by many fans of the film and those coming to the story for the first time. The show broke records for being nominated for 15 Drama Desk Awards – the most nominations for one show in a single year. The show was also nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Original Score by Parton, who performed at the ceremony alongside Elton John, Liza Minelli and the Broadway cast, although failed to win in any category. Actress Allison Janey was recognised by the Drama Desk Committee for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Violet.
Original Broadway Production
The show ran for 148 regular performances, closing in September 2009. The opening night cast featured Broadway veterans such as Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty (who can currently be seen in the new NBC show ‘Smash’ as performer Ivy Lynn) and Marc Kudisch, along with Allison Janey. The show played to strong houses over the summer months and was a hit with tourists visiting New York who were drawn to the show based on Dolly Parton’s name and attachment with the production. Critical opinion was mixed, with Ben Brantley of the New York Times describing the show as an ‘overrated whoopie cushion’ and a ‘gaudy, empty musical’. Many other New York critics were less harsh on the show, appreciating the feel good nature of the piece and its fun loving spirit. The New York Post found the show ‘goofily entertaining’, giving it 3/5 stars. Parton’s skill at storytelling and song writing was apparent for everyone to see, and the show rose above the level of usual jukebox musicals because of Parton’s care and craftsmanship with the score.
The British press praised the show, with The Guardian naming the show ‘a triumph’. Ed Pilkington described it as a successful screen-to-stage transfer, going beyond the realms of many other contemporary shows. Many in the UK hope that the show will transfer, and with the success of ‘Legally Blonde’ which has been running at the Savoy Theatre for well over 2 years, winning major awards along the way, the British audience may fall in love with the show in the same way. ‘Legally Blonde’ also received a luke-warm reception on Broadway, but the London production picked up the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, along with recognition for the cast and creative team. By opening the show at a large regional venue first, Producers hope to generate enough hype about the show which will lead to a successful West End transfer.
Synopsis and Songs
The story of the show is similar to the film, and concerns three office workers, Violet, Judy and Doralee who are each trying to make a living working for a national corporation, run by the hellish Franklin Hart Jr. Together they fantasize about righting their wrongs and getting a well earned promotion, resulting in a hilarious comedy plot as the three oust Hart from his position and each achieve their dreams and ambitions. The book is written by Patricia Resnic who co-wrote the screenplay of the film alongside director Colin Higgins. Parton contributed to a brand new score, featuring a number of songs which she had previously recorded, including ‘Backwoods Barbie’, ‘Shine Like the Sun’, ‘Change It’ and of course the title track. The Original Cast Album was released in 2009 and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Dolly Parton is arguably the world’s most famous and successful female country musical artists. Over her career she has been nominated for 42 Grammy Awards winning a grand total of seven. She has won multiple Country Music Awards and was introduced into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001. She has appeared in a number of films and has been twice nominated for an Oscar Award for Best Original Song. She is co founder of the Dollywood Company and is a businesswoman and philanthropist who devotes much of her time to charity work. 9 to 5 is her first Broadway musical.
UK Tour
The first ever UK production of 9 to 5 the Musical began an extensive UK tour last year in Manchester, where it opened to rave reviews. The show continues to travel to every inch of the UK, including Northern Ireland and Scotland.
For tickets, check out the official 9 to 5 tour website!
2013 Tour Dates
NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL: 25th February – 2nd March
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE: 4th – 9th March
TRURO HALL FOR CORNWALL: 11th – 16th March
BRISTOL HIPPODROME: 18th – 23rd March
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE: 8th – 13th April
SHEFFIELD LYCEUM: 22nd – 27th April
SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER: 29th April – 4th May
WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND: 13th – 18th May
LEEDS GRAND: 27th May – 1st June
NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL: 10th – 15th June
BELFAST GRAND OPERA HOUSE: 17th – 22nd June
ABERDEEN HIS MAJESTY’S: 24th – 29th June
CANTERBURY MARLOWE: 8th – 13th July
CARDIFF MILLENNIUM CENTRE: 22nd – 27th July
Cast and Creatives
The cast of the show includes: BEN RICHARDS who plays office boss Franklin Hart. He is familiar to TV viewers of shows such as ‘The Bill’ and ‘Footballers Wives’. JACKIE CLUNE (The Bill, Eastenders) stars as Violet, alongside NATALIE CASEY (Two Pints of Lager) as Judy and AMY LENNOX as Doralee. They are joined by West End veteran performer BONNIE LANGFORD who stars as Ros, after recently appearing on the UK tour of ‘Spamalot the Musical’. They are joined by a talented ensemble which includes Ashley Andrews, Sasi Strallen, Mark Willshire, Hayley Ainsley, Lisa Bridge.
9 to 5: The Musical features a book by Patricia Resnick and music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. Direction is by Jeff Calhoun who is currently represented on Broadway by Newsies the Musical for Walt Disney Theatricals.
Reviews
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‘10 out of 10 for knock-out performances and a treasure chest of new songs.’The Sunday Express |
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‘The show critics would pay to see’ The Times |
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‘A winning mix of raucous good humour and genuinely touching moments’ The Telegraph |
Videos
Watch the official trailer of the UK tour production of 9 to 5 the Musical
Watch the audience reaction to the UK Tour