The legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton’s joyous smash-hit 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is preparing to open its doors for business next month at Arts Centre Melbourne, a keenly-anticipated Melbourne premiere season starring a much-loved powerhouse cast.
Get ready to tumble outta bed for the musical sensation that’s taking Australia by storm, earning plaudits from the critics and ovations from audiences at every performance. 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL opens from Sunday 10 July, playing at the beautiful State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne.
The acclaimed production features some of Melbourne’s favourite performers – Marina Prior (The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera), Eddie Perfect (Shane Warne The Musical, TV’s Offspring) and Casey Donovan (Chicago, We Will Rock You) – along with Erin Clare (Heathers The Musical, American Idiot), cast in the role of Doralee Rhodes, the character famously played by Dolly Parton herself in the original 1980 film, and featuring the sensational Caroline O’Connor (Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Anything Goes, Anastasia).
Individually, the artists deliver mischief, laughter, goosebumps and affection; together, they bring the house down with gold-standard gusto and stirring vocals. Here’s a sample of what some of the reviewers had to say:
- “With its perfectly cast women – grinning conspiratorially and singing with breathtaking conviction – the show will leave you with a smile.” – The Guardian
- “It’s a night of escapist, feel-good fun with a serious message that still needs reiterating – and this cast does it in style,” Limelight
- “A tremendously enjoyable evening of live entertainment … The result of some of the finest women in musical theatre banding together to showcase their talents.” – Theatre People.
- “Brilliantly contemporary and relevant. The casting is perfect … A fabulous and fun celebration.” – Broadway World
With its uproarious antics and crusading zeal, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is double the fun of the movie and, aside from the seminal hit song of the same name, the show is full of catchy, toe-tapping songs and spirited wish-fulfilment ballads that are liberating and genuinely heart-warming. The music and lyrics are all by Dolly Parton, with a book by Patricia Resnick. Songs include Heart to Hart, Shine Like The Sun, One of the Boys, Change It, Let Love Grow and the climactic show-stopper Get Out and Stay Out.
The uplifting musical tells the story of Doralee Rhodes, Violet Newstead and Judy Bernly, three enterprising workmates pushed to the limits 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 clock-watching, controlling supervisor. The question is: 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?
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