Dolly Parton's Smash-Hit '9 to 5' Musical Is Coming to Melbourne

Pour yourself a cup of ambition and buy tickets to this.
Sarah Ward
January 13, 2020

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 earlier this year, it's still a huge hit — and now, after an Australian premiere in Sydney was announced last year, we know that the latest version of the production is coming to Melbourne.

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 plays its local run at Her Majesty's Theatre from July 2020. It comes to Melbourne after its Australian premiere season in Sydney this April.

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.

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.

While the show will premiere in Sydney, it's possible it'll head to other cities around the country after — cross your fingers and we'll let you know if more dates and locations are announced.

While you're still singing 9 to 5 to yourself, check out Parton's announcement video below:

9 to 5 The Musical will hit Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre from July 2020, with tickets on sale on Friday, February 14. For more information, or to join the ticket waitlist, visit the musical's website.

Published on January 13, 2020 by Sarah Ward
Tap and select Add to Home Screen to access Concrete Playground easily next time. x