What do Footloose, The Bridges of Madison County, The Addams Family and Legally Blonde have in common? They are all popular movies that became hit Broadway musicals. While the transition from film to the musical stage is now very common, it wasn’t always the case. One of the best examples is 9 to 5 The Musical, a rollicking and tuneful take on the well-known 1980 movie starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Local audiences will be able to get in on the fun when CGOA Stages presents 9 to 5 The Musical, opening May 9 at the Columbia Center for the Arts.
Just about everyone knows Dolly Parton’s crossover hit song 9 to 5, which is featured in the musical. However, the stage show is not a collection of Dolly Parton’s greatest hits, but a completely original score. The musical premiered in 2009 and its score was nominated for several Tony Awards. The music covers a wide range of styles from country to pop and traditional Broadway show tunes, all with a huge amount of audience appeal.
Younger audiences might not remember the movie, which notably for its time highlighted workplace sexism and the frustration many women shared about working for egotistical and dishonest bosses. Of course that’s a serious topic, but the movie and the musical both share a wicked sense of humor and fun while still shedding light on an important theme that sadly remains relevant in 2025. Emily Vawter, one of the musical’s leading performers said that “the musical is better than the film, because with Dolly’s music and lyrics the characters have more heart and depth.”
Described as an “hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era”, 9 to 5 The Musical is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic. Unlike many Broadway musicals, it highlights a strong female cast, making it a favorite with community theatres.
Local veteran actors Emily Vawter, Jennifer Harty and Cynthia Yoshida cover the original roles played by Parton, Tomlin and Fonda. Jim Yue plays boss Franklin Hart. The musical is directed by Ashly Will, who directed last season’s Bat Boy The Musical. After several productions using pre-recorded music, 9 to 5 The Musical will feature a live pit band led by musical director Duncan Krummel.
Founded in 2016, CGOA Stages has presented a wide range of musicals, including Spamalot, The Last Five Years, Fun Home, West Side Story, Mamma Mia, Little Shop of Horrors, Rent and more.
9 to 5 The Musical show dates are May 9,10,16,17,23 and 24 at 7:30 PM. Matinees are May 11,18 and 25 at 2 PM at the Columbia Center for the Arts. The show is rated PG13. Tickets are available at gorgeorchestra.org, along with information about all of CGOA’s upcoming performances.
The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and presenting musical performances of the highest quality in the Columbia River Gorge region. With a commitment to artistic excellence and education, CGOA brings the joy of music to audiences of all ages.
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