“9 to 5: The Musical” cast faced with a quick turn around
Having only a month between the first rehearsal and opening night, the cast and production team have been working on a very tight schedule — you could say that they’ve been working 9-5.
“The most challenging part of this process has been the time restraint,” said Grace Cathryn Garner, who plays Judy Bernly. “The entire cast has to memorize lines, implement choreography and solidify harmonies pretty much as soon as we learn them.”
“9 to 5: The Musical” has music and lyrics written by Dolly Parton and is based on a book by Patricia Resnick. The play focuses on issues of inequality and harassment in the workplace.
“’9 to 5’ is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Building the mental, emotional, vocal and physical endurance throughout this process has been a wonderful experience,” said McKenna Walwyn, who plays Violet Newstead.
Three female coworkers, Violet Newstead; Judy Bernly; and Doralee Rhodes, played by Nicole Frederick, work together to get back at their unfair, sexist, lying boss by taking over the company.
Walwyn said the show examines feminine power as it existed in the 80s and turning expectations on its head is always fun.
“It’s very comedic and needs to be because of how the characters are perceived by the audience, each other and how they follow the plot of the story,” Frederick said. “It needs to be told, but each character needs to be truthful so everything is balanced.”
Valerie Rachelle, the guest director, has worked at many theaters around the country as a professional choreographer and director.
Frederick said being a part of this production “has been an opportunity to work closely with a new director, be coached in a different way and understand why characters need to sing or dance to express their point.”
Many of the cast members have been able to relate on a personal level to the role they have been cast. Frederick defines her role as a spunky, smart, and passionate kind of person.
“There are a lot of characteristics and personality traits that we both share,” Frederick said. “We also bond over a lot of what she goes through in the play and what I have gone through in life. Those experiences make it real and palpable for me to be in this role.”
“I have grown as a performer through this process,” said Ashlynn Rober, who plays Roz Keith. “This is one of the shortest rehearsal processes that I have ever had and it has pushed me to be the best I can be in a fast paced environment.”
Frederick said she’s excited for opening night because plays an important role in how the story and messages are received.
“We have carefully crafted so many parts of this show that have me so excited to see their reactions,” Frederick said.
As opening night approaches, cast members have been preparing to the best of their abilities for the audience to experience what they have been working on.
“Showing an audience the hours and hours of hard work forged for this show with the people who mean the most to me is going to be the performance of a lifetime,” Garner said. “An opportunity I may never have again.”
“9 to 5: The Musical” will be performed at the Morgan Theatre April 15 and 20-23 at 7:30 p.m. and April. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors (65 and up) and youth (8-17). They can be purchased at theatre.usu.edu or by calling 435-797-8022.