Dolly Parton's Smash-Hit '9 to 5' Musical Is Coming to Brisbane in 2022

Brisbanites, it's finally time to pour yourself a cup of ambition and see a classic 80s comedy brought to the stage.
Sarah Ward
November 22, 2021

First, it was a popular 80s comedy starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Then, it became a five-season television sitcom led by Parton's real-life younger sister. In 2009, 9 to 5 made the leap to the stage too, because you just can't stop a good story about female empowerment in the workplace. Revived in the West End back in 2019, it's still a huge hit — and now, the stage production will head to Brisbane in March next year.

Just by reading the show's title, we know that you already have Parton's catchy song of the same name stuck in your head. Pour yourself a cup of ambition, because that tune isn't going away anytime soon. Indeed, you'd best get ready to exclaim "what a way to make a living" more than once when 9 to 5 The Musical hits QPAC's Lyric Theatre from May 22, 2022.

Ahead of its time when it first reached cinemas, this tale of three women who take on their sexist, egotistical and all-round despicable male boss is obviously still highly relevant today. Before #TimesUp and #MeToo, workmates Doralee, Violet and Judy decided to turn the tables by kidnapping their supervisor and reforming their office.

Expect the same story in 9 to 5 The Musical, as penned by the original film's screenwriter Patricia Resnick — just with more songs. The Australian version will star Caroline O'Connor (a veteran of the movie version of Moulin Rouge!), as well as Eddie Perfect as the workplace's controlling boss.

With Parton herself writing the score — and earning Tony and Grammy nominations for her efforts — expect plenty of feel-good music as well. Although she doesn't appear on stage, the famous country star is still involved with the show, and with bringing it to Australia.

The musical will premiere in Sydney before heading north, with its long-awaited arrival in Australia delayed from 2020 due to the pandemic.

Still singing 9 to 5 to yourself? Of course you are. And you can also check out Parton's Sydney announcement video below:

9 to 5 The Musical will hit Brisbane's Lyric Theatre at QPAC, South Bank from May 22, 2022. For more information, to join the waitlist or to nab seats — with pre-sales from Monday, November 22 and general ticket sales from Friday, November 26 — visit the musical's website.

Images: Pamela Raith Photography.

Published on November 22, 2021 by Sarah Ward
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