Dee Hoty Replaces Lucie Arnaz in NSMT's 9 TO 5

The award-winning North Shore Theatre (NSMT) is pleased to welcome Broadway star Dee Hoty to the cast of 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL. Due to a severe back injury (annular tear of the L5 disc), the previously announced Lucie Arnaz will be unable to play the role of Violet in 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL scheduled to open Tuesday, September 25, and play through Sunday, October 7. Press night is scheduled for September 26 at 7:30pm.

“I am so disappointed that, due to a very recent back injury, I will now not be able to perform in North Shore Music Theatre's production of '9 to 5: The Musical.' . It's disappointing to me for so many reasons, especially after meeting with the creative team involved and knowing what a first rate production this is going to be,” said Arnaz. “But, the good news is, that Dee Hoty, a good friend and a marvelously versatile actress who shepherded the same part of "Violet Newstead" so brilliantly in the show's First National Tour, has graciously offered to step in and play that part once again. And believe me, North Shore audiences are in for a real treat . Thank you, Dee, and I wish you and the entire cast the best of luck with this wonderfully entertaining show. And I look forward to the opportunity to perform in a future production at North Shore Music Theatre.”

“Lucie was already rehearsing the music and learning the lines when this injury side-lined her. Bill Hanney and I hope to bring Lucie Arnaz to North Shore Music Theatre soon, she is a great talent and will contribute to any production she is cast in.” said Artistic Director Arianna Knapp. “Dee Hoty was the first name to come up when I realized we needed a new "Violet". Dee is a fantastic performer, she played the role on the Broadway National Tour, and I've been looking forward to bringing her to Beverly for the past few years.”

This new outrageous musical comedy is based on the hit 1980 movie and features Dolly Parton’s original hit title song along with her new Tony Award and Grammy-nominated score. 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Featuring a book by Patricia Resnick (co-writer of the original screenplay), 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL tells the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do — even in a man’s world.

Dee Hoty will star as Violet Newstead, the role created by Lily Tomlin in the hit 1980 film. Dee has distinguished herself as one of Broadway’s favorite leading ladies. She has earned Tony Award nominations for her starring roles in The Will Rogers Follies, The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public and Footloose. She starred on Broadway and in eight major U.S. cities as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! and most recently as Mrs. MacAfee in the revival of Bye Bye Birdie. Other Broadway shows include City of Angels (Outer Critics Circle Nomination), Me and My Girl, Big River, The Five O’Clock Girl, and Shakespeare's Cabaret.

Joining Dee Hoty in 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL will be Holly Davis as Judy Bernley (the role created by Jane Fonda) and Shayla Osborn as Doralee Rhodes (the role created by Dolly Parton). NSMT audience favorite George Dvorsky will take a leave from this season’s Off-Broadway smash hit Closer than Ever to play Franklin Hart, Jr., the boss you love to hate. Rounding out the featured cast will be popular Elliot Norton and IRNE Award winning actress, Kathy St. George playing Mr. Hart’s “administrative eyes, ears, nose, and throat,” Roz Keith.

The ensemble features Amy Bodnar, Patrick Boyd, Jermiah Ginn, Derek Hanson, Kevin B. McGlynn, Natalie Newman, Rommel Pierre O'Choa, Sarah M. O'Connor, Peter Romagna, Shannon Lea Smith, Jonathan Stahl, Merrill West, and Toni Elizabeth White

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL will be directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford and musical direction will be provided by Mark Hartman. The creative team also includes Phillip Witcomb (Scenic Designer), Paula Peasley-Ninestein (Costume Designer), Phillip Watson (Lighting Designer), Jessica Paz (Sound Designer), Natalie A. Lynch (Production Stage Manager), Jonathan Stahl (Associate Director Choreographer), Brad Gardner (Assistant Musical Director), and Michael T. Clarkston (Assistant Stage Manager). 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is produced for North Shore Music Theatre by Bill Hanney (Owner/Producer), Arianna Knapp (Artistic Director), and Beth Vasta (Associate Producer).

Tickets for the 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL are priced from $40 - $70. Performances are September 25 – October 7, Tue – Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri & Sat at 8 pm, matinees Wed, Thur, Sat and Sun at 2 pm. For tickets and information call (978) 232-7200, visit www.nsmt.org, or visit the box office in person at 62 Dunham Rd., Beverly, Massachusetts. 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is sponsored by Saelm Five and 92.5 FM The River.

ADDITIONAL FREE AUDIENCE ENRICHMENT EVENTS: Meet the Theatre: post-show audience discussion with the artists on October 2 after the 7:30 pm performance and October 6 after the 2 pm performance; OUT at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post-show reception (sponsored in part by Ryan & Wood Inc. Distilleries and Sparkling Soirées) on October 4 after the 7:30 pm performance.

The 2012 musical season continues with Guys and Dolls (October 30 – November 11), and concludes with the return of New England’s brightest holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, December 7 –23, starring David Coffee as Ebenezer Scrooge.