NASHVILLE, TN (Thursday, August 24, 2023) – Nashville Repertory Theatre opens their 39th Season with the showstopping 9 to 5 the Musical written by Dolly Parton, at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center stage from September 8th to 17th. This musical adaptation of the classic 1980 comedy film promises an uproarious celebration of female empowerment, unity, and the unstoppable force of laughter. The musical follows the journey of Doralee, Violet, and Judy, three women who unite against their sexist, lying, hypocritical, egotistical, bigoted boss. Fueled by a shared desire for change, the trio embark on a mission to take back control of their lives, turning their wildest fantasies into a reality filled with humor and heartfelt connection.
With an energetic score by Nashville's own Dolly Parton, this high-energy musical celebrates female empowerment and equality in the workplace. With such songs as "Shine Like the Sun," "Backwoods Barbie," and the title song "9 to 5," this show promises to be a rip-roarin', toe-tappin' good time! Joining Parton to create this musical is the original script writer from the movie, Patricia Resnick, who wrote the show and will deliver a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.
“What I love most about this production is the enormous fun of the show – the incredible performers, big dance numbers, and gorgeous designs – but with a deep message: we are empowered in our unity, and we can change things that aren’t right,” says director Beki Baker. Director Beki Baker, who previously directed A Christmas Carol and the REPaloud of The Revolutionists, returns to the Nashville Rep stage to spearhead this production. The cast features an ensemble of exceptional talents, including Megan Murphy Chambers as the sassy Doralee Rhodes, Allyson A. Robinson as the resilient Violet Newstead, Mariah Parris as the endearing Judy Bern, Evelyn O’Neal as the sharp Roz Keith, and Geoffrey Davin as the infamous Franklin Hart, Jr., accompanied by an ensemble of dynamic performers including Justin Marriel Boyd, Katie Bruno, Ian Frazier, Jonah M. Jackson, Maria Logan, Angela Madaline-Johnson, David Murphy, Jailin Roberts, Melissa Steadman, Meggan Utech, Jalen Walker, Douglas Waterbury-Tieman, and Garris Wimmer.
The production features a score music directed by Randy C. Craft, Choreographed by Allison Little, Scenic Designed by Gary C. Hoff, Costumes Designed by Lori Gann-Smith, Lighting Designed by Dalton Hamilton, Sound Designed by Mark S. Zuckerman, and Stage Managed by Daniel Brewer. 9 to 5 the Musical portrays the significance of embracing oneself and discovering happiness within life's flaws. Do not miss your chance to see this impactful and entertaining show in the James K. Polk Theater, located within the Tennessee Performing Arts Center at 505 Deaderick Street. For details regarding tickets and performance schedules visit www.nashvillerep.org. “This is a time of celebration for your local professional theatre,” says Executive Director Drew Ogle. “We’re opening our season with this fun and still-timely musical. After that, we’re creating a spectacular new version of A Christmas Carol for you and your family. And those are just a couple of highlights from a season that includes three brand new plays from our Ingram New Works Project, the local premiere of a fresh-from-Broadway comedy, new educational programs, and much, much more. We hope our audiences will join us over and over throughout this great season. The rest of Nashville Repertory Theatre’s 23/24 Season includes a brand-new adaptation of the timeless story A Christmas Carol, the Nashville premiere of the award-winning drama Indecent, the musical The Color Purple based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, and the regional premiere of a comedy fresh from Broadway, POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.
The Nashville Rep has been named Best Professional Theatre by the Nashville Scene, Best Local Theatre by The Tennessean, Largest Arts Organization by Nashville Business Journal, and recognized by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County for 35 years of service to the community. The Rep’s shows, actors, directors, and designers have been honored by Nfocus, Nashville Scene, The Tennessean, and the First Night Awards.
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ABOUT NASHVILLE REP
Since 1985, Nashville Repertory Theatre has been Nashville’s premier regional theater, entertaining and inspiring audiences by creating exceptional theatre exploring the diversity of human experience. Nashville Rep produces work designed, built, and rehearsed in Nashville, by highly skilled actors, designers, directors, and technicians, creating the highest quality professional productions and serving as a cultural, educational, and economic resource in Nashville and Middle Tennessee communities. Nashville Rep is committed to bringing classic and contemporary theatre to Nashville that entertains and inspires by creating exceptional theatre exploring the diversity of human experience.
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