Dolly Parton's Smash-Hit '9 to 5' Musical Is Finally Coming to Melbourne This Year
Melburnians, it's finally time to pour yourself a cup of ambition and see a classic 80s comedy brought to the stage.
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 Melbourne from July this 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 the State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne from July 10.
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 stars Caroline O'Connor (a veteran of the movie version of Moulin Rouge!), Marina Prior (The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera), Casey Donovan (Chicago, We Will Rock You) and Erin Clare (Heathers the Musical, American Idiot), 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.
9 to 5 The Musical was initially meant to premiere in Australia in 2020, hitting up Sydney first and then heading to Melbourne, but was delayed due to the pandemic. Now, it's still debuting in Sydney before playing Brisbane, then finally making its long-awaited arrival in Melbourne.
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 the State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne from July 10. For more information, to join the waitlist or to nab seats — with pre-sales from Monday, February 7 and general ticket sales from Friday, February 11 — visit the musical's website.
Images: Pamela Raith Photography.
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