Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Musical 9 to 5 Clocks In

Sharpen your pencils, restock the rat poison and pour yourself a cup of ambition: 9 to 5: The Musical is making its eagerly awaited world premiere tonight in Los Angeles.

Based on the classic workplace comedy of 1980, the new tuner features a brand new score (plus the Oscar-nominated title song, of course) by the film's star, Dolly Parton. Megan Hilty takes over for Dolly as Doralee Rhodes, with Stephanie J. Block as Judy Bernly and Allison Janney as Violet Newstead (Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin's roles in the movie, respectively). Marc Kudisch is the "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigot" Franklin Hart, Jr.; other stage faves in the cast include The Producers' Kathy Fitzgerald and original Altar Boy Andy Karl.

The Broadway bound production is helmed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello and features a book by the film's original screenwriter, Patricia Resnick, and choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (who just won a Tony for In the Heights). The official opening date is September 20, with closing set for October 19, followed by Broadway previews beginning March 24 and opening April 23 at the Marquis Theatre.

Movie Dearest will continue our exclusive preview coverage of 9 to 5: The Musical later this week with Chris' interview with the show's producer, Robert Greenblatt.

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