Emporia State University Theatre presents “9 to 5, The Musical” by Patricia Resnick with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
Based on the 1980 movie of the same name, “9 to 5, The Musical” is a classic tale of female empowerment. After the last straw with their egotistical, sexist, hypocritical and bigoted boss, Judy, Violet and Doralee discover that he may be involved in an embezzlement scheme. The three women must work together to get rid of their horrible boss for good and to finally set straight the company that always kept them down.
The director of the production, Jim Bartruff, is excited for audiences to experience the comedy, music and heartwarming story of the show.
“The show takes us back to 1980 when suits were polyester, typewriting pools were common in the American workplace and Jimmy Carter was in the White House,” Bartruff said. “It is a musical with lots of exciting dance, some great singing and a cast of 27 that will send audiences away feeling good about where we are and who we are today. It features great roles for women which makes this show an important part in our current theatre season that focuses on the changing roles of women at home and in the workplace.”
The production staff for the show features our new Costume Designer Susie J. Wiliams. A 2009 graduate of ESU, she returns after completing her MFA in costume design at Kent State University. Most recently, she worked as a costumer at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Scenic Designer Nancy J. Pontius, Technical Director Chris Lohkamp. Music Director Penelope Speedy and Choreographer Lindy Bartruff complete the professional staff.
Student members of the production staff include Fran Opheim (Olathe), production stage manager, and assistant stage manager Mollie McClanahan (Topeka). Matthew Mahr (Overland Park) will be designing the lighting for the production, and Cassidy Tilden (Topeka) will serve as the makeup and hair designer for the show.
The rest of the company includes Abbi Timmermeyer (Andover), Olivia Nunnelley (Goddard), Rachel Muirhead (Topeka), Logan Wohlford (Valley Center), Whitney Landreth (Emporia), Gabriel Diaz-Serrano (Olathe), Justin Scheck (Gardner), Jacob Schaefer (Pratt), Alayne Weber (Topeka), Donicia Vazquez (Topeka), Alec Wahlberg (Olathe), Paige Maley (Burlington), Zulema Renteria (Emporia), Harriel Mack (Newton), Tad Gilbert (Andover), Tyler Lang (Wichita), Hewleek McKoy (Olathe), Skylar McCall (Wathena), Kara Mason (Shawnee), Tim Hardman (Wichita), Brian Percival (Olathe), Andrew Ralston (Topeka), Jaimala Hughes (Dodge City), Aubrey Jenkins (Admire), Madison Joye Schultz (Topeka), Maddie Simmons (Emporia) and Elizabeth Tate (Tulsa, OK).
The production crew for the show includes Stephen Holbert (Olathe), Semaj Smith (Salina), Alyxx Zinn (Olathe), Evan Grantham (Girard), Lucas Coble (Olpe), Trevor Molz (Shawnee) Cori Stewart (Goddard), Kyle Whitney (Burlington), Barry McAnulty (Bronson), Miranda Kimble (Mullinville), Meng Wieqi (Beijing, China) Seongeun Woo (Pohang, South Korea), Ryan Wollum (Lenexa), Grant Swanson (Emporia), Taylor McAvoy (Hartford), Karoline Kennedy (Derby), Allison DeMeyer (Mulvane), Emily Cole (Easton), Roman Haen (Lee’s Summit, MO), Mariah Ebert (Wamego), Dayne Sabatos (Burlington), Yerim Noh (Pohang-si, South Korea), Elizabeth Higbee (Tonganoxie), Ben Johnson (Wichita), Dustin Bittel (Ellis), and Heather Kropf (Westphalia).
“9 to 5, The Musical” will play in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 through 4 and with an afternoon show at 2 p.m. on Nov. 5. Emporia State University. Tickets can be reserved at the ESU Memorial Union Ticket Office or by calling 620-341-6378.