9 TO 5 The Musical

Looking for a 9 to 5 that won’t give you the Monday blues? 

Get ready for a night of laughter, comedy and flair with Dolly Parton’s 9 TO 5 The Musical! 

Based on the 1980 American comedy film and book of the same name, this musical is an absolute classic that hasn’t aged a day since its original premiere in September 2008. Originally written by screenwriter Patricia Resnick, 9 TO 5 opened on Broadway in April 2009 with a score by American country music singer Dolly Parton. 

‘I am so excited that 9 TO 5 is finally opening in Melbourne. I know the Australian fans will get a real kick out of this musical like people from other parts of the world have!’ – Dolly Parton.

With timeless charm and smash hit tracks, 9 TO 5 in Melbourne will have you singing and dancing in your seat for two and a half hours – and probably the next few days. 

Catch Australia’s leading lady of musical theatre Marina Prior playing Violet Newstead, the youngest ever winner of Australian Idol Casey Donovan as Judy Bernly, theatre veteran Erin Clare as Doralee Rhodes, multi-talented writer, composer and performer Eddie Perfect as Franklin Hart Jr. and of course, from the theatres of Broadway and the West End, Caroline O’Connor as Roz Keith. 

Complemented by these talented performers is the accomplished ensemble who didn’t miss a beat. 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 are all exceptional in their roles.

Each cast member has pipes that can belt out any note and will have you wanting to give a standing ovation at the end of each number. As an accompaniment to the tunes, find dance compositions that will have you in awe, from turn sequences to PG strip-numbers. 

Coined a screwball comedy, 9 TO 5 will have you grabbing your best friend’s arm as tongue-in-cheek jokes glide through the well-written libretto. Alongside the hilarious dialogue you will find classic tunes written by Dolly Parton – including the smash hit ‘9 TO 5’, of course! Please note, this song will be in your head for a few days following the show. 

With a strong focus on gender inequality in the workplace, the original track ‘9 TO 5’ alongside the film became a sort of anthem for working women in the 80s. Many of the issues that arise in the musical are still issues today, and there are a few jokes slipped in to reference the modern world, making it a timeless tale for all ages in the audience. 

Perfectly suited for young and old, this loud and colourful musical is packed with mischief and joy. Playing at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne until 18 September, grab your family, friends or granny for a night that will have you smiling the whole way home and into your own 9 to 5. 

9 TO 5 The Musical
State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004
On stage until Sunday 18 September 2022
artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2022/musical/9-to-5-the-musical

Images: David Hooley