FAIRBORN — Wright State University Theatre continues its 42nd season in the Festival Playhouse with the riotous musical comedy “9 to 5: The Musical” running now through Saturday, April 2.
Acclaimed by The Telegraph as, “… a highly engaging production that achieves a winning mix of feminist indignation, raucous good humor and a few genuinely touching moments” this new Broadway hit musical is sure to please audiences of all ages – featuring tunes by Dolly Parton.
Take a trip back to the 1970s – reminisce about typewriters, shag carpets and paisley patterns. Throw in an egotistical, sexist boss, three very determined, aspirational women and a fantastic score by one of country music’s greatest singer-songwriters, and you have “9 to 5: The Musical.” Featuring the classic hit song, “9 to 5,” this show will leave audiences singing and humming on their way out of the theatre — and into their own offices.
“It’s fitting that we’re staging this family-friendly musical to culminate our 42nd season,” said Wright State Theatre’s Artistic Director W. Stuart McDowell. “This fabulous musical has a direct connection with the region: Dayton’s own Allison Janney – Emmy winning actress of the hit TV series, The West Wing and Mom and numerous movies. Janney created the role of Violet Newstead in the original Broadway cast.”
Janney won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Newstead, the efficient office manager, played by Lily Tomlin in the original film.
In the Wright State production, Violet Newstead will be portrayed by Bailey Edmonds, with Natalie Girard (Doralee Rhodes), Meredith Zahn (Judy Bernly), Joey Logan (Franklin Hart, Jr.), Emily Chodan (Roz Keith), Zach Fretag (Joe) and Joey Kennedy (Josh).
Male ensemble members include Eli Davis, David Emery, Colin Hodgkin, Joseph Lampe, Aaron Roitman, Tristan Allen and Cody Westbrook. Female ensemble members include Danielle Bessler, Emma Buchanan, Robin Dunavant, Christine Fiala, Rachel Green, Mackenzie Kasbaum, Grace Liesch, Alejandria Solis and Michaella Waickman. Swings include Dylan Tracker and Brianna Russ.
Behind the scenes, “9 to 5: The Musical” is directed by Greg Hellems (“Hot Mikado,” “Oklahoma!”), with musical direction by Scot Woolley (“No, No, Nanette,” “The Music Man”). Musical numbers are choreographed by Wright State alumna Megan Wean Sears. Sets are designed by Wright State alumnus Michael S. Brewer, lighting by Jessica Drayton (“No, No, Nanette,” “A Streetcar Named Desire”), costumes by Emily Sollinger (“A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Sondheim on Sondheim”). Properties are by John Lavarnway and sound is by Alex Koker.
Performances are 8 p.m. March 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and April 1; 7 p.m. March 22, 23 and 30; and 2 p.m. March 19, 25, 26, April 1 and 2. Tickets are $22 for adults, and $20 for students and seniors.
For tickets and theatre information, call the Box Office at 937-775-2500, or purchase single tickets online at http://www.wright.edu/theatre-tickets.
