West End musical 9 TO 5, from legendary US singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, is coming to Melbourne's State Theatre in July.
9 TO 5 is inspired by Parton’s film of the same name, which came out in 1980 to strong reviews but is perhaps better remembered now through the seminal hit song of the same name.
The musical tells the story of Doralee Rhodes, Violet Newstead and Judy Bernly, three enterprising workmates pushed to the edge by their mean-spirited boss Franklin Hart Jnr. Resorting to wit, camaraderie and cunning, they dream up a no-holds-barred scheme to kidnap and turn the tables on their controlling supervisor.
Parton wrote the score to the musical herself back in 2012, although the musical has had a relatively tough run over the proceeding decade abroad.
What you need to know
- Venue: State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne
- Season: From 10 July 2022
- Performance Times: Wed -Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm
- Prices: From $69.00
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The question becomes, will the feisty trio manage to change the office culture to reach their full potential – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?
“I am so excited that 9 TO 5 is coming to Melbourne with this talented cast and crew leading the way,” Parton said. “The response to 9 TO 5 from around the world has been incredible so far. I can’t wait for everyone down under to have a fun (and funny!) night out at 9 TO 5.”
Marina Prior (The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera) will play Violet Newstead, Casey Donovan (Chicago, We Will Rock You) will be Judy Bernly, Erin Clare (Heathers the Musical, American Idiot) plays Doralee Rhodes, Caroline O’Connor (Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Anything Goes) will be busy-body Roz Keith, while Eddie Perfect (TV’s Offspring, Shane Warne The Musical) will play the controlling boss Franklin Hart Jnr.
Lily Baulderstone, Ana Maria Belo, Zoe Coppinger, Mia Dabkowski-Chandler, Ben Gillespie, Emma Hawthorne, James Haxby, Emma Johns, Jay Johns, Ethan Jones, Antonia Marr, Josh Mulheran, Tom New, Jake O’Brien, Matthew Prime, Jackson Reedman, Jordan Tomljenovic and Jessica Vellucci complete the cast.
Producers John Frost and Suzanne Jones said: “We’re thrilled to be able to bring 9 TO 5 to Melbourne at the beautiful State Theatre with our glorious cast led by Marina, Casey, Erin, Eddie and Caroline. Following the success of Dream Lover, Evita and Chicago at Arts Centre Melbourne, we know Melbourne audiences will flock to 9 TO 5. Forget the Covid blues and join us for the most fun you’ll have all year.”
Head to the musical’s website here to book tickets.
