After a sell-out season in Sydney and Brisbane, Dolly Parton’s hit West End production 9 To 5 The Musical has officially landed in Melbourne. Introduced virtually by Dolly Parton herself, opening night at the State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne was a resounding success.
The musical, inspired by the hit film made in 1978, tells the tale of three work colleagues (Doralee, Violet and Judy) driven to the edge by their misogynistic and vulgar boss Franklin Hart Jnr. Writer Patricia Resnick describes the musical as ‘three secretaries who have the worst boss in the world, and hate him so much they try to kill him’. 9 to 5 is about challenging the norms that were present in society 40 years ago, that are still around today – promoting the importance of equal rights and equal pay in the workplace.
The storyline is supported by an incredible star-studded cast. Marina Prior (Violet Newstead) had worked her entire professional career at Consolidated Industries only to be overlooked because of her gender. Casey Donovan (Judy Bernly) is newly separated and trying to land on her feet in her first day in the professional world. Erin Clare (Doralee Rhodes) is a bright and beautiful country gal trying to overcome workplace gossip to find a friend at work. Caroline O’Connor (Roz Keith) is the administrative assistant swooning over her controlling boss played by Eddie Perfect (Franklin Hart Jnr.).
Stand out moments from the first act included the title track performed by the full ensemble, I Just Might (Prior, Donovan, Clare), the hilarious Heart to Hart (O’Connor), and closing songs Hey Boss and Shine Like The Sun. In the second act, Prior steals the show with One of the Boys, O’Connor with 5 to 9, Perfect with Always A Woman, and Donovan with Get Out and Stay Out – receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
Supporting the all-star cast are Lily Baulderstone, Zoe Coppinger, Mia Dabkowski-Chandler, Ben Gillespie, Emma Hawthorne, James Haxby, Emma Johns, Jay Johns, Ethan Jones, Sarah Krndija, Antonia Marr, Josh Mulheran, Tom New, Jake O’Brien, Matthew Prime, Jackson Reedman, Jordan Tomljenovic and Jessica Vellucci.
9 to 5 The Musical is an absolute must see for all Melburnians. Get your tickets now!
A word from Dolly Parton: ‘I am so excited that 9 to 5 is finally opening in Melbourne,’ said Dolly Parton. ‘I know the Australian fans will get a real kick out of this musical like people from other parts of the world have!’
Melbourne Season Details: Venue: State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne Season: Sunday 10 July to 18 September 2022 Performance Times: Wed -Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm Prices: From $69.00 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: 9to5themusical.com.au or phone 1300 182 183 Groups 8+ call 1300 889 278
Photo Credit: David Hooley Embedded video: https://youtube.com/embed/gnIEHTsrQ08