SUNY Plattsburgh’s first musical at the Strand Center for the Arts begins this week.
9 to 5 The Musical! is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie 9 to 5 with Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. This funny, feminist tale of friendship and revenge in the era of the Rolodex and the first Xerox copiers is entertaining and thought-provoking–and more relevant than ever.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers (Violet, Judy, and Doralee) at Consolidated Industries concoct a plan to get even with their sexist and egotistical boss Franklin Hart. In a fun twist, they live out their wildest fantasy as they give their boss the boot! While he is “tied up” with their plan, the women give the workplace a much needed makeover and take control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
This high-energy musical has music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick.
Our musical creative team is led by stage directors Julia Devine and Beth Glover, music director Pam Lavin, conductor Daniel Gordon, and choreographer Kathy Koester.
Co-director Julia Devine says, “The story of 9 to 5 still resonates today. We like to call this musical a form of ‘comedic activism.’ We may have made strides in the workplace but we still have more work to do.”
Co-director Beth Glover adds, “We have an incredibly diverse cast with lots of energy and talent. One of my fondest experiences on stage was performing in 9 to 5. Audiences of all ages enjoy this timely, tuneful show.”
The Departments of Music and Theatre encourage local businesses, schools, hospitals, and organizations to organize staff parties to attend the show and receive a special group rate. Dressing in the time period of the late 1970s and early 1980s is also highly encouraged!
Additionally, on Friday evening’s performance of the show’s run, there will be a post-show discussion on women’s rights in the workplace in collaboration with the Gender & Women’s Studies department at SUNY Plattsburgh. An intergenerational panel will include local working and retired women. And, on Thursday and Saturday evenings of the performance, the Literacy Volunteers of Clinton, Franklin, and Essex Counties will be on hand to promote Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The SUNY Plattsburgh Departments of Music & Theatre present 9 to 5 The Musical! at The Strand Center for the Arts. Performances take place on Thursday, November 10 at 7:30 pm, Friday, November 11 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, November 12 at 7:30pm, and a matinee on Sunday, November 13 at 2:00 pm. Ticket prices are $15 for general admission, and are available at strandcenter.org, or at the box office the nights of the performances. Call the Strand at 518-563-1604 for a group rate (groups of 10 or more).
