9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL Opens Opens Season at Theatre Lawrence Tonight, 9/21

Opening the 36th season at Theatre Lawrence is 9 to 5: The Musical, a comedy based on the 1980 hit movie with Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. Dolly Parton wrote the music and lyrics for the stage version, which includes "Around Here," "Backwoods Barbie," "Get Out and Stay Out," and the signature song, "9 to 5." Based on the book by Patricia Resnick, this is a hilarious comedy about friendship and workplace vengeance.

It's a man's world in 1979, and the glass ceiling is thick in the white-collar professional world. Long overdue for a promotion, Violet is a strong, capable mom raising a teenaged son. She is none too fond of Doralee, the bubbly, Southern belle attracting lots of male leers. Dumped for a younger woman, Judy enters the company with no experience. The unlikely trio unite in their disgust for their smarmy boss, Franklin Hart. After accidentally poisoning Hart's coffee, they kidnap him and then start running the company to keep Hart from blackmailing them.

Playing the efficient office manager, Violet, is newcomer Erin Fox, while Jennifer Forman returns to the stage as the sweet and sexy Doralee. Melia Stockham takes the role of the insecure Judy, and Kim Scarbrough plays Roz, the office snitch. Theatre Lawrence veteran Charles Goolsby plays the egotisticAl Franklin Hart.

Newcomer Andrew Ramaley plays Dwayne, Doralee's husband. Christoph Cording plays Joe, the junior accountant with the "hots" for Violet. Jacob Leet plays Violet's teenaged son, Josh and Mario Bonilla takes the role of Dick, Judy's husband who ditched her.

The chorus of office workers includes Theatre Lawrence Newcomers Robin Marshal, Alicia Dale, Kay Traver and Joshua-Jersey Gipp. They are joined by Kayla Motley, Dennis Craig, Jane Henry, and Sonja Holmgren.

The production is directed by Doug Weaver, with choreography by Barbara Wasson. Mary Baker is the Music Director and pianist, with musicians Valance Penn, Genee Figuieras, Janet Ashburn, John Childers and Pete Townley. Jeff Blair is the Assistant Director.

Dates: September 21*, 22, 23, 27, 28+, 29, 30, and Oct. 4, 5, 6, 7
*Opening night audiences are invited to a 6:30pm. Pre-show reception catered by Marisco's.
+ Public Reception Sponsored by TCK begins at 6:30. Pre-show reception will be catered by Maceli's
Times: Thursday - Saturdays 7:30 pm
Sundays 2:30 pm

Tickets: Box office (785 843-SHOW) 11:30am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday

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