Grab your lunchbox, roll up your sleeves and pour yourself a cup of ambition for the Long Island premiere of Dolly Parton's "9 to 5: The Musical," July 18-Aug. 4 at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts."9 to 5: The Musical" is adapted from the 1980 film of the same name, which features Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as three working-class friends who stage an unorthodox corporate takeover of their greedy, sexist boss. The movie, Parton's motion picture debut, is the 20th highest grossing comedy film of all time and has been named to the American Film Institute's list of "100 Funniest Movies."
Parton recorded and released the movie's title song, "9 to 5," which received two Grammy Awards, an Academy Award nomination and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Artists of America. The film's success inspired a 1980s ABC sitcom, also called "9 to 5," with Sally Struthers in the role of single mother Marsha McMurray Shrimpton.
The musical opened on Broadway in 2009 and was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Score, and a record-breaking 15 Drama Desk Awards. The book is written by the film's original screenwriter, Patricia Resnick. Music and lyrics are by Parton, who made her debut as a Broadway lyricist and composer with this show. The original Broadway cast recording received a Grammy nomination. Since its Broadway run, "9 to 5: The Musical" has toured nationally and will tour the UK later this year.
Keith Andrews directs The Gateway's production, with music direction by Andrew Austin. Mr. Andrews has helmed nearly a dozen shows for Gateway, including this season's "My Fair Lady," and has also directed national tours of "Hello Dolly" and "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh." At Maine's Ogunquit Playhouse, Andrews has directed Ms. Struthers in a production of "The Full Monty." For The Gateway, Austin was music director for the Andrews-led "The Wedding Singer," as well as 2011's "West Side Story,"
Gerry McIntyre choreographs. McIntyre's work has been seen at the Berkshire Theatre Festival, Connecticut Repertory Theatre and Westport Country Playhouse. His choreography has been recognized with awards from Broadwayworld.com, LA Stage Alliance and LA Weekly. Television credits include "Designing Women," "Golden Palace," "Major Dad" and "The Rosie O'Donnell Show."
Scenic designer Robert Kovach, costume designer Trevor Bowen, lighting designer Richard Latta and sound designer Adam Schubert complete the artistic staff. Nikki Lint is stage manager.
Two-time Emmy winner Sally Struthers stars as executive assistant and corporate snitch Roz Keith. Struthers came into the national conscience as Archie Bunker's spunky, progressive-leaning daughter, Gloria Stivic, on the 1970s sitcom "All in the Family." Television series include "9 to 5," "Still Standing" and "Gilmore Girls." As a voice actor, Struthers has been heard by millions on the animated "The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show" and "Talespin," as well as Jim Henson's "Dinosaurs." On film, she has starred alongside Jack Nicholson in "Five Easy Pieces" and Steve McQueen in "The Getaway." Stage credits include Broadway's "Grease," "The Odd Couple" and "Wally's Cafe." Struthers is a two-time recipient of the LA Ovation Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
Edward Staudenmayer plays Franklin Hart, Jr., the domineering president of Consolidated Companies. He made his Broadway debut in Martin Short's "Fame Becomes Me" and was the White Rabbit in the original Broadway production of "Wonderland." Staudenmayer is known for his 16-year association with the Forbidden Broadway franchise and has been nominated for Philadelphia's Barrymore Award.
Becky Gulsvig is Hart's secretary, Doralee Rhodes. Her Broadway credits include "Hairspray" and "Legally Blonde." Gulsvig was nominated for a Helen Hayes award for her portrayal of Elle Woods in the national tour of "Legally Blonde" and performed live at the 2009 Tony Awards.
Erica Aubrey plays office trainee Judy Bernly. Aubrey has appeared with Matthew Broderick, Barbara Cook, Patti LuPone and Sarah Jessica Parker in New York City Center's "Encores!" series. Carrie McNulty makes her Gateway debut as senior office supervisor Violet Newstead.
Jaclyn Miller is dance captain. The company includes Tim Barker, Peter Carrier, Beth Glover, Brian Patrick Murphy, Bill Marshall and Rachel Arielle Yucht. Ensemble members Sarah Behrens, Rosharra Francis, Scott Hamilton, Nathan Scott Hancock, Jonathan Hoover, Drew King, Amanda Phillips, Amy Van Norstrand and Karen Webb complete the cast.
"9 to 5" is a co-production with the Ogunquit Playhouse. Funding provided, in part, by Suffolk County.
Gateway's 63rd season concludes with "Phantom" Aug. 22-Sept. 9. A special event, "Michael Londra's Celtic Fire" plays in Patchogue from Aug. 10-11. "Dressing for the Night," the Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County's 2nd annual gala will be held on the evening of Aug. 18.
The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk Countyis a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Itseeks to provide theatre of the highest caliber to the Long Island region and beyond, continuing the63-yeartradition established by the Gateway Playhouse. Itremains Long Island'soldestprofessional theatre.
For tickets, performance times or other inquiries call (631) 286-1133 or 1-888-4TIXNOW, or visit www.gatewayplayhouse.org.
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