Nazareth College brings 9 TO 5 to Callahan Theater

Nothing screams comedy like a workplace fantasy sequence. The Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department will take on the stage version of 9 to 5: the Musical, based on the 1980 hit film of the same name, April 21-22 at 7:30pm and April 23 at 2 pm in the Callahan Theatre at the Nazareth College Arts Center.

Set in the late 1970s, 9 to 5 follows three women pushed to their boiling point by their misogynistic, egotistical, bigoted boss, Mr. Hart. Hart embodies workers' wildest fear: an over-powerful boss who takes advantage of the women who work beneath him. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton,, and book by Patricia Resnik, a pop-country score draw us into a hilarious story that is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.

The film version of 9 to 5 was considered timely, as its debut coincided with the EEOC's establishment of guidelines that deemed sexual harassment unlawful under Title VII. 37 years later, 9 to 5 is still just as relevant, as seen in modern movements such as the "Fight for $15" and "Raise the Wage" campaigns, and most recently the Women's March on Washington. Director Matt Steffens says, "Despite how far women's equality in the workplace has come in the past 37 years, when i saw Audi's ad during the Superbowl that asked the question 'What do I tell my daughter?' highlighting the inequalities still present in society, it reminded me how much more work still needs to be done. 9 to 5 continues to hit at the core of the challenges many face in the workplace. We look forward to sharing Dolly Parton's amazing music and this hilarious show with the Rochester area audience."

Leading the production are Emily Mullin (Violet Newstead), Michaela Groth (Doralee Rhodes) and Kit Prelewitz (Judy Bernly) and Abby Swanson (Roz Keith). All were seen in last semester's sold-out run of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Recent School of the Arts graduate Demetrio Alomar will be featured as the hateful Mr. Hart.

Rounding out the cast are are Theatre and Dance Department students Mike Schuetz (Joe), Sterling Tull (Dwayne), Jake Smith (Josh), Katja Stavenhagen (Missy), Anna Kostakis (Maria), Josh Feldman (Dick), Chiara Giampietro (Kathy), Sara Hayward (Margaret), Vinny Capluzzi (Bob Enright), Sam Melita (Tinsworthy), Chris Peterkin (Detective), Justin Smith (Doctor), Regan Stacey (Candy Striper), Sam Antoniewicz (New Employee), Chris Salvaggio (Intern/ Dance Captain); and ensemble members Peter Smith, Dylan Kastel, Kaitie Buckert, Cassidy Halpin (Assistant Dance Captain).

The production will be directed and choreographed by Matthew Steffens with music direction from Corinne Aquilina. Steffens comes to Nazareth College from several Broadway and off-Broadway credits including Doctor Zhivago (Associate Choreographer) and Queen of the Night (Associate Choreographer)-- serving as Resident Director during its Drama Desk Award win for Unique Theatrical Experience; in addition to his work in a number of television series and movies: The Last Five Years (Assistant Choreographer), Pan Am (Associate Choreographer), Across the Universe (Dancer), SMASH (Dancer). Aquilina is known for her arrangement and musical direction for the long-running off-Broadway show, Menopause the Musical, for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Sophisticated Ladies for Inside Broadway theatre company, and for Sir Tim Rice's From Here to Eternity, which premiered in the United States last summer.

In addition to Aquilina on piano, musicians for the production include Nazareth alum and staff Tony Bisbano, Charlie Carr, Keaton Vivattine, Grace Frarey John Vivattine, Lincoln All, Sean Power, Robert Varon and Austin Wahl.

Tickets are $13-$15 online, $7.50 for students with valid ID at Box Office. Arts Center subscribers save 50% off single ticket prices. The Nazareth College Arts Center is located at 4245 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14618.

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