First, Music legend Dolly Parton wrote additional songs to go along with her hit 9 to 5 from the 1980 movie of the same name. Then, original screenwriter Patricia Resnick adapted the movie script. The result was a hit movie morphed into a hit Broadway musical. The Walpole Footlighters open their 96th season on October 25th with 9 to 5 The Musical.
All the women working in the office of Franklin Hart, Jr. agree that he’s a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot, and those are his good points. Long time office “mother hen” Violet Newstead, misunderstood employee Doralee Rhoades, and newly divorced office newcomer Judy Bernly become an unlikely trio of co-conspirators when they seize an opportunity to send Mr. Hart on an “extended business trip.” In Hart’s absence, they give the office a dream makeover, taking control of the company that has always kept them down. But what will happen when Hart returns?
Jamaica Plain resident Denise Feeney returns to the Walpole Footlighters stage as one of the other downtrodden female office workers in Franklin Hart’s employ. Ms. Feeney previously appeared with the Footlighters as the Aviatrix in The Drowsy Chaperone and as Gretchen in Boeing, Boeing. She is also well known in community theater circles as an award winning Scenic Artist for her work painting sets. Ms. Feeney says audiences will enjoy the show because of, “Woman power! Also fabulous talent, and enjoyable and familiar songs!”
Performances of 9 to 5 The Musical will be given at the Walpole Footlighters Playhouse at 2 Scout Road in East Walpole. Evening performances will be given on October 25 and 26, and on November 1, 2, 8, and 9 at 8:00 PM. There will also be matinee performances on November 3 and 10 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $25 and all seats are reserved. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. To purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 508-668-8446 or purchase online at www.footlighters.com. This production is sponsored in part by the Walpole Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.