DM Playhouse Presents 9 TO 5, 3/22-4/14

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the Dolly Parton hit, "9 to 5: The Musical," Mar. 22-Apr. 14. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, and at The Playhouse ticket office. "9 to 5: The Musical" is sponsored by ING.

References to Atari, liquid paper, and state-of-the-art typewriters keep this musical, based on a 1980 film of the same name, perfectly relatable for the Baby Boomer generation. Still, it's got enough of a modern twist -- like an overarching anti-sexism theme -- to appeal to audiences of all ages.

The female employees at Consolidated Industries hate Franklin Hart, Jr. (played by Chris Ragner), the sexist and indecent president. Doralee (played by Katy Merriman), his secretary, is tired of his indecent attempts to hit on her. Violet (played by Megan Schettler Schug), a veteran at Consolidated Industries, just got passed up for yet another promotion. And Judy (played by Jill S. Ziegler), who's new to the working world, is tired of feeling incompetent especially since she was never properly trained.

Soon, these three women team up in their hatred for Hart. In an exciting moment, Doralee, Violet, and Judy each work out a sadistic fantasy that involves killing Hart. The next day at work, Violet decides to act on her vision. She slips rat poison into Hart's coffee before realizing the possible consequences of her actions. When the three women realize Hart never actually consumed the coffee, they take even wilder actions.

"9 to 5: The Musical" is based on the 1980 movie of the same name with new songs by Dolly Parton in addition to the hit title song. The Playhouse production is directed by John Viars, with music direction by Brenton Brown and choreography by Alison Shafer. Completing the cast are Connor Bredbeck, Jenny Burton, Jill Curry, Drew Frederick, Anne Frett, Melissa Kellar, Rebecca Masucci, Hannah McClatchey, Zander Morales, Philip Sandager, Jordyn Shipley, Shawn Smith-Jones, and Tyler Thompson.

The Playhouse will host preshow talks and weekend cabarets in conjunction with "9 to 5: The Musical." Audiences are encouraged to come to the theatre 30 minutes prior to curtain for a preshow talk with artistic staff. After the show, on Friday and Saturday evenings, audiences are invited to stay for live music and drinks in the lobby. Please note there is no cabaret on opening night, Mar. 22.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information about The Playhouse and "9 to 5: The Musical," contact The Playhouse ticket office at 515-277-6261.

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