Arts and Sciences | EventsFebruary 19, 2024

UAFS Music & Theatre Department to Present 9 to 5 The Musical

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Music & Theatre Department is proud to announce its upcoming production of 9 to 5 The Musical, featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick.

This empowering and comedic musical, based on the 1980 film of the same name, is set to run from March 7-9, 2024, with performances at 7 p.m., and a special matinee March 9 at 3 p.m., in the Breedlove Auditorium.

9 to 5 The Musical tells the story of three women, Violet, Judy, and Doralee, who work at Consolidated Industries under the oppressive management of their sexist boss, Franklin Hart. The show highlights their journey towards empowerment and justice, set against a backdrop of Dolly Parton's engaging music and lyrics.

The musical, which premiered in Los Angeles in September 2008 and opened on Broadway in April 2009, has been praised for its humor, character depth, and its commentary on workplace dynamics. Patricia Resnick, who co-wrote the original screenplay with Colin Higgins, also penned the book for the musical adaptation.

Cast and crew members have expressed their excitement and growth through their involvement in the production. Faith Cureton, a freshman History Education major with a minor in Theatre from Van Buren, Arkansas, shared her transformative experience, saying, "My experience has been AMAZING! I have really loved getting to know all the cast and crew... Judy is such a beautiful character and my favorite role yet! I’m so ready to perform this wonderful show with all my new friends!"

Gavin Garrett, a senior Theatre major from Fort Smith, Arkansas, took on the challenge of costume design in addition to being a cast member. "Being a cast member as well as a lead designer has been a challenge but an incredible experience, where I get to further my knowledge on both sides of the production,"

Tatum Leary, also from Fort Smith and a senior majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing, shared her journey of stage managing for the first time. "This is actually my first time stage managing... And '9 to 5' is such an amazing show... Getting to watch everything come together is my favorite part of all of this.”

Tickets can be purchased online at $10 general entry, and free for indivuduals 60+, and UAFS faculty, staff and students. 

NOTE: This production is rated PG-13, advising viewer discretion due to strong language and potentially offensive or disturbing scenes.

 

The full cast list includes:

Violet Newstead played by Shayla Woolsey

Doralee Rhodes played by Kassandra Jiminez

Judy Bernly played by Faith Cureton

Franklin Hart, Jr. played by Dylan McDonald

Roz Keith played by Emily Hunter

Joe played by Tate Carnley

Dwayne Rhodes played by Adonis Wilson

Josh (spoken) played by Landon Carrier

Missy Hart (spoken) played by Carolyn Young

Dick Bernly (spoken) played by Brayden Graham

Kathy played by Zoe Russ

Maria Delgado played by Vanesa Parga

Margaret played by Alyssa Foley

Bob Enright played by Gavin Garrett

Russell Tinsworthy (spoken) played by Philip Vega-Ramirez

Plainclothes Detective (spoken) played by Josie Martinez

Cop/Security Guard played by Jamarion Davidson

Doctor (spoken) played by Noah Comstock

Candy Striper (spoken) played by Katie Scowden

Orderly (spoken) played by Philip Vega-Ramirez

New Employee (spoken) played by Audrey Houghton

The show will also feature ensembles comprising Tate Carnley, Noah Comstock, Jamarion Davidson, Gavin Garrett, Brayden Graham, Philip Vega-Ramirez, Adonis Wilson, Sophia Amonsin, Alyssa Foley, Audrey Houghton, Josie Martinez, Sally Olson, Vanesa Parga, Zoe Russ, Katie Scowden, and Carolyn Young