9 to 5 the Musical Hits the SIC Stage April 21-23
Southeastern Illinois College Theatre is taking their audience back to the late 1970s in the comedy 9 to 5 the Musical coming to SIC’s Allan G. Kimball Stage April 21-23.
The show is based on the 1980 hit movie starring Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. Three women – an objectified secretary: Doralee, played by Bailey Warner of Marion, an overworked office manager: Judy, played by Addison Bean of Ridgeway, and a jilted wife: Violet, played by Neva Wasson of Harrisburg – conspire to depose their smarmy boss and begin making woman-friendly changes in the workplace.
“I’m always excited to work with this great group – they bring a lot of energy and life to these characters on stage – very similar to the movie from the 80s,” said show director and theatre instructor, Gareth York. “
The show brings in talented actors from all around Southern Illinois: Carmi, Eldorado, Gallatin County, Hardin County, Harrisburg, Marion, Pope County, and Vienna.
Warner (who plays Doralee) said, “My most favorite thing about the show is we’re cast perfectly because we’re able to show parts of our personality that we never really showed before on stage. And this is genuinely one of the most fun roles that I’ve been in, and I love working with my friends onstage – we have so much fun.”
The theatre has also added a new staff member. Joshua Kimball of Benton, who is the new Visual & Performing Arts Specialist at SIC with an extensive list of performance experience domestically and abroad. He is the choreographer for the show.
“As choreographer, I’ve been so excited to watch the students learn and work so hard to bring this comedy to life,” said Kimball. “From a Western-hoedown to Bob Fosse-style production numbers, you’ll see all kinds of dances in 9 to 5. Come watch the struggle that three women of the 1980’s go through to become the powerhouses of the corporate world that they were meant to be. As Dolly Parton says, ‘I’m a woman and proud of it. I really feel like I have plenty to offer… and I think we all should be able to express ourselves however we do.’”
Music director for the show, Cory Garmane says he has been looking forward to taking on this iconic and complex show.
“This show has a following of fans who know the movie, and even more fans who love the iconic Dolly Parton. That puts an added layer of pressure!” exclaimed Garmane. “The music of this show is very narrative. You can tell that Dolly Parton’s skilled song-writing hand touched each number. The music is styled differently for each character and changes as the show progresses. It adds a deeper level to the storytelling.”
The soundtrack operator for the show is Caitlyn Scruggs, and the spotlight operator is Heather McDonald of Harrisburg. Costume design is by Gareth York and Janet Hart, and John Hart of Hart’s Music in Harrisburg will provide sound.
The show will be performed in the George T. Dennis Visual & Performing Arts Center Theatre April 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. Reserved seating is $10 for adults and $8 for students, staff, and seniors.
SIC has a new online ticketing program where guests can choose their seats. Visit: sic.edu/boxoffice to order tickets. For questions, email boxoffice@sic.edu or call 618-252-5400, ext. 2486.
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