TV: Dolly Parton Looks to Broadway with '9 to 5'

20th Century Fox's 1980 hit film "9 to 5" has been given a Broadway musical makeover with the help of the movie's original star, Dolly Parton, writing the music and lyrics, Patricia Resnick, adapting her own screenplay for the stage, director Joe Mantello and choreographer Andy Blankenbeuhler. Along with an all-star cast, including Megan Hilty, Stephanie J. Block, Allison Janney and Marc Kudisch, 9 to 5 will premiere at Center Theatre Group's Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles beginning in September before heading East to Broadway.

Parton took to the House of Blues stage in Hollywood Friday singing both "9 to 5" and "Backwoods Barbie," an original song written for the musical and also the title track of her latest album. 9 to 5's cast along with Resnick and producer Robert Greenblatt joined the country singer for the promotional event.

BroadwayWorld's own James Sims was on hand for the afternoon, getting a chance to speak with Parton and stars Hilty, Block, Janney and Kudisch about creating this musical based on the motion picture that earned Parton an Academy Award nomination and launched the classic song "9 to 5." Resnick also added to the conversation in providing insight about adapting her screenplay for the Broadway stage.

9 to 5 will begin performances at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles beginning September 3 and will run through October 19. Tickets are currently available only through the Ahmanson Theatre's 2008-2009 subscription season. For more information or to purchase season tickets visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or call 213-972-4444. And for more from James Sims visit www.simsscoop.com.

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