After a two year wait, the much anticipated Australian premiere of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL, Dolly Parton’s smash-hit West End musical, will take place tonight at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre.
Over the past week of preview performances, capacity audiences have laughed, danced, hooted and hollered for more. At tonight’s Gala Premiere, celebrity guests will include Shaynna Blaze, Brooke Blurton, Casey Burgess, Tina Bursill, Nell Campbell, Jono Castano, Harry Cook, Danielle Cormack, Sophie Dillman, Barry DuBois, Jess Eva, Jeremy Fernandez, Karen from Finance, Sam Frost, Kylie Gillies, Erin Holland, Mark Humphries, Steve Jacobs, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Holly Kingston and Jimmy Nicholson, David Koch, Lincoln Lewis, Tristan MacManus, Penny McNamee, Indira Naidoo, Steve Pennells, Janine Perrett, Anna Polyviou, Richard Reid, Harry Richardson, Belinda Russell, Matty Samei, Jaynie Seal, Emily Seebohm, Melissa Tkautz, Jacinta Tynan, Jack Vidgen, Nikki Webster, Richard Wilkins, and Mitch & Mark and Kirsty & Jesse from The Block.
An incredible top line cast has been assembled to inhabit these iconic and much loved roles. Marina Prior plays Violet Newstead, a smart, sassy and efficient woman who has worked all her life at Consolidated Industries. She has all it takes to run the company but there is one small issue … her boss!
Casey Donovan is Judy Bernly, a newly separated, never worked before young woman who finds more than just a job at Consolidated Industries. Erin Clare plays Doralee Rhodes, a ‘don’t mess with me’ well-brought-up, bright and beautiful country gal. She may look like a push over but is anything but!
Caroline O’Connor is busy-body Roz Keith, the administration assistant who is fiercely – and unrequitedly – in love with her controlling boss, Franklin Hart Jnr. Played by Eddie Perfect.
Completing the cast are Lily Baulderstone, Ana Maria Belo, Zoe Coppinger, Mia Dabkowski-Chandler, Ben Gillespie, Emma Hawthorne, James Haxby, Emma Johns, Jay Johns, Ethan Jones, Antonia Marr, Josh Mulheran, Tom New, Jake O’Brien, Matthew Prime, Jackson Reedman, Jordan Tomljenovic and Jessica Vellucci.
“I am so excited that 9 TO 5 is finally opening in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne,” said Dolly Parton. “I know the Australian fans will get a real kick out of this musical like people from other parts of the world have!”
Producers John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia, Suzanne Jones and Ambassador Theatre Group Productions said, “We’re thrilled to finally open this hilarious and joyful show from Superstar Dolly Parton,” they said.
“With our incredibly talented cast, led by Marina, Casey, Erin, Caroline and Eddie, audiences are having a fantastic time and loving Dolly’s new songs. Join us for 9 TO 5. It will be the most fun you’ll have all year!”
The Australian premiere, secured exclusively for Sydney by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, will be a major drawcard for visitors to NSW.
“I am delighted the Australian premiere of 9 TO 5 The Musical is taking place in Sydney’s iconic Capitol Theatre tonight, a further demonstration that the Harbour City is open for business and welcoming visitors to enjoy our vast cultural offerings and hospitality,” said Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres.
“The NSW Government is committed to investing in world-class productions like this to deliver on our goal of making NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”
A sensation on the West End and inspired by the hit film, the musical tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy, three enterprising workmates pushed to the edge by their mean-spirited boss Franklin Hart Jnr.
Resorting to wit, comradery and cunning, they dream up a no holds barred scheme to kidnap and turn the tables on their controlling supervisor in the most hilariously defiant of ways. The only question is, will the feisty trio manage to change the office culture to reach their full potential – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?
With a sparkling score by Dolly Parton and a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick, 9 TO 5 is the quintessential feel-good show for the times. Full of mischief, laughter and affection, it’s gold carat fun!
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009. Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited. Set the alarm for a great night out at Dolly Parton’s joyous smash-hit musical 9 TO 5, featuring knock-out songs and high-flying ambitions.
The Australian Government is supporting 9 TO 5 through its $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, a program that is providing financial assistance to arts and entertainment companies affected by COVID-19.
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL
Capitol Theatre, Campbell Sreet, Haymarket (Sydney)
Season continues to 1 May 2022
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
Lyric Theatre – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Season: 22 May – 12 June 2022
Bookings: www.qpac.com.au
State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 10 – 31 July 2022
Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.9to5themusical.com.au for details.
Image: The Cast of 9 TO 5 The Musical – photo by David Hooley