A Tony Award-nominated production will soon hit the Massey Theatre stage.
Royal City Musical Theatre promises dazzling dance numbers, quick-witted antics, and over-the-top fun with its presentation of Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical. It is on stage from April 25 to May 11 at Massey Theatre.
9 to 5 is described as a fast-paced feminist adventure in the Rolodex era, in which three female coworkers dream up an elaborately zany plan to get even with their terrible boss, giving their workplace a dream makeover in the process.
“9 to 5 The Musical features the whimsical storyline and charming characters that audiences know and love from the classic 1980 film, with the addition of an entire score of toe-tapping, show-stopping musical numbers by the legendary Dolly Parton — including 9 to 5, one of the most iconic songs of all time,” said Valerie Easton, co-director and RCMT’s outgoing artistic director.
Set in 1979, 9 to 5 The Musical follows three co-workers — Violet, Doralee, and Judy — as they endure their mundane and demoralizing office jobs at Consolidated Industries, under the thumb of their sexist and egotistical boss, Franklin Hart Jr. When the women are suddenly given the chance to turn their wildest revenge fantasies into reality, they hatch a plan to kidnap their nasty boss and step into their full potential — ultimately taking control of the company.
“This bold and fresh production offers the perfect blend of hilarious hi-jinks and heartfelt camaraderie,” Chris Adams, co-director and interim RCMT artistic director, said in a news release. “Audiences will be rooting for these fearless women to stick it to the man with this story of female empowerment.”
Royal City Musical Theatre, established in 1989, welcomes more than 10,000 audience members to Massey Theatre each year for its spring shows. Past productions have included Hello Dolly!, Crazy for You, Mary Poppins, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Oklahoma!, 42nd Street and South Pacific.
Royal City Musical Theatre’s latest production stars returning alumni Irene Karas Loeper (Violet), Maia Beresford (Doralee), Madeleine Suddaby (Judy), and Dustin Freeland (Franklin Hart Jr.).
According to RCMT, 9 to 5 The Musical made its Broadway debut in April 2009, earning 15 Drama Desk Award nominations, four Tony Award nominations, and a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album. A decade later, the musical debuted in London’s West End, and has since toured both the U.S. and U.K.
Massey Theatre is located at 735 Eighth Ave. Tickets are available online.
