Culture
ABC Players presents “9 to 5: the Musical” at Stuart’s Opera House
< < Back toNELSONVILLE, Ohio – Pour yourself a cup of ambition and make your way over to the historic Stuart’s Opera House (52 Public Square) for the ABC Players’ production of the iconic Dolly Parton movie-turned-musical 9 to 5. Performances are scheduled for two weekends, from March 17-19 and March 24-26. The Friday and Saturday performances will be at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Adapted from the beloved movie of the same name, 9 to 5 follows three female coworkers, Violet, Judy, and Doralee, when pushed to their breaking points, concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigot boss. In a hilarious turn of events, the three women live out their wildest fantasies of giving their boss the boot and go on to take control of the company for the better while their boss is “otherwise engaged.”
This high energy show, with music and lyrics by the incomparable Dolly Parton who originated the role of Doralee in the movie, and with a book by Patricia Resnick, gives a voice to women and anyone who has ever been put down and mistreated in the workplace.
“It has been a dream come true to play the role of Violet alongside this great group of people,” Jenn Fritchley who plays Violet Newstead, the Lily Tomlin character from the movie, said. “I grew up watching the movie and always loved it, especially how amazing the girl-power element of it was. I love all the songs in this show and the overall message which still holds true 50 years later. To top it off, having the opportunity to play opposite of some of my closest friends has just been the icing on the cake of a great experience.”
The talented cast, made up mostly of an ensemble of strong women, include Fritchley, Alexis Parsons, Samantha Pelham, Kevin Kunz, Gabrielle Johnston, Kit Parsons, Peter Cohara, Chris MacNeal, TJ Johnston, Jessica Holliday, Ezra Thobaben, Diana Ray, Melanie Tullett, Caroline Peters, Andrea Thompson-Hashman, Charlotte Azbell, Adam McKnight, Jay Manley, Sandy Russell, Judy Wymer, Miki Brooks, Becca Swanson, Max Mace, Rebecca Bowen, Mindy King, and James Azbell.
Directed by Kit Parsons with music direction by Jodi MacNeal, ABC Players President, this jubilant score and the relatable and lovable characters will have audiences inspired that as long as they “dream big, anything is possible.”
“This is a big, fun show with a message that is still, unfortunately, just as relevant in 2023 as it was in 1980,” Kit Parsons said. “I have spent the majority of my life surrounded by incredible female-presenting family, co-workers, and role-models that were treated differently than their male-presenting counterparts. I see Dolly Parton’s work here as the perfect opportunity to do what theater does best – tell relevant stories, affect change, all while being thoroughly entertained.”
Assisting Kit Parsons and Jodi MacNeal in bringing this show to life include Melanie Wilt, assistant music director, Alexis Parsons, choreographer; Carleen Dotson, costume designer; Mindy King, propsmaster; Jason Morosko, set construction; Jim and Celeste Parsons, assistant set construction; Mike Gimmer, lighting designer; and Tbone McCauley, sound designer and technical support.
Tickets are $13 for an adult and $9 for a child and are available online here or at the door prior to the show. 9 to 5 is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
For more information about the ABC Players and upcoming productions, visit http://abcplayers.org/.