9 TO 5 - THE MUSICAL Comes to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 5/30-6/15

Based on the hit 1980 movie: 9 to 5 - The Musical comes to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, May 30 - June 15, 2014. Featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick.

Based on the 1980 movie and featuring Dolly Parton's original hit title song, along with her Tony award and Grammy-nominated score, 9 to 5: The Musical is an outrageous and hilarious story of friendship and REVENGE at a time when the Rolodex was the 'go-to' office essential.

Pushed to the boiling point, three female co-workers form an unlikely friendship and concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot who is their boss. As they conspire to take over the company, they learn there is nothing they can't do - even in a man's world.

While the play is filled with laughter, music and charm, the late 1970's setting is current enough for many of today's business leaders to remember a time when a woman's role in the workplace was to make coffee and take notes. To honor women in TODAY'S workplace, the Civic has partnered with Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) an entrepreneurial resource focused on supporting and empowering women through all phase's business. "GROW is excited about this opportunity to partner with the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and their production of 9 to 5 and show where women have come from in the working world", said Bonnie Nawara, CEO, GROW."

"The Civics' role in the community is to entertain and to create community discussion." show director Penelope Notter shares. "This play is hilarious: it will entertain but it also shows a slice of history. Come for the laughs and remember how far a woman have come, and in many cases how far we have yet to go".

Actor David Duiven, portraying the villainous Mr. Franklin Hart Jr, notes, "I grew up in a time when men were less than respectful to women in office settings. I'm being stretched as an actor because often I need to say lines that I find offensive so I need to summon up some of those memories." Duiven also notes, "I hope my interpretation of Franklin Hart is humorous as well as...umm...disgusting. And I hope this show makes a strong statement about respecting women in the workplace".

9 to 5: The Musical is directed by Penelope Notter, Musical Director Charles Hutchins, and Choreographers William Schutte and Torry Thomas. The jubilant score mixes Broadway and pop with Dolly Parton's irresistible style.

CAST:

Emily Diener - Judy Bernly

Jenny Fischer - Doralee Rhodes

Samantha Gauthier - Violet Newstead

David Duiven - Franklin Hart Jr

Karen Ambo - Roz Keith

Timmy Schmidt - Dwayne Tinsworthy

Shane Lynn - Dick

Malia Huffman - Maria

Carly Uthoff - Cathy

Leanna Challa - Margaret

Jacqueline Kirsch - Ensemble

Amanda Kaley - Missy

Nick Coulson - Josh

Edgar Walker - Bob Enright

Carson Wanty - Detective

Robby Ellis - Doctor

Courtney Martin - Candy Striper

Natalie Joaquin - New Employee

Andrew Playford - Ensemble

Logan Dolence - Ensemble

Ticket Prices: $18 - $35. See events calendar for specific days and times: http://grct.org/eventschedule.html. For information on the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre or to purchase tickets, call 616-222-6650 or visit www.GRCT.org.

This season is a perfect blend of theatre classics and new favorites. The Civic is proud to kick things off in September with SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE, THE GIVER and a theatre classic, THE SOUND OF MUSIC. In January a powerful 2012 Tony Award Winning Play, CLYBROUNE PARK is followed by: LES MISERABLES, JUNIE B. JONES, and 9 TO 5. The season ends with Summer Repertory production of CAMP ROCK, and THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE. Get ready for a season of laughter, tears, suspense, and excitement that ONLY LIVE THEATRE can bring.

About Grand Rapids Civic Theatre: The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre's mission: We are committed to enhance the cultural life of West Michigan by creating opportunities for people to enjoy live theatre performances using community artists, and to provide access to a comprehensive theatre arts education program for all ages. For more information, visit www.grct.org.