'9 to 5 Change It!' Awards Presented During Run of CFTA Musical

Murfreesboro's Center for the Arts presents Dolly Parton's hit Broadway musical - 9 to 5, The Musical - running February 10-26, during which they will recognize local women who have made a difference in the workforce with the presentation of "9 to 5 Change It!" Awards.

The "9 to 5 Change It!" award is inspired by the song "Change It!" sung by the three female leads of the show as they restructure their office to be happier and more productive. Women who have been chosen to receive this award are female leaders in their fields. The recipients include Dr. Liz Rhea, United Way executive Meagan Flippin, Middle Tennessee State University professor Jill Austin, MTSU executive Dr. Gloria Bonner, Discovery Center CEO Tara MacDougall, Bridgestone executive Shelly Morton, Murfreesboro Electric marketing director Amy Byers, and Cathy Mitchell, retired community relations coordinator for Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation.

9 to 5, The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s. this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy - giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains "otherwise engaged," the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down.

The Center's production of 9 to 5, The Musical features many performers who are either making their Center debut, or who are returning after a hiatus. Leading the women is area favorite Mary Ellen Smith as Violet, who is joined by newcomer Katie Hahn as Doralee, and Memory Strong Smith as Judy. Matt Smith (Mary Ellen's husband) is featured as the obnoxious Franklin Hart.

The show is directed by Mathew Hayes Hunter, who is playing Violet's romantic interest Joe. Memory's husband Matt Smith is paired with Doralee as Dwayne, and Hart's hilarious lovelorn assistant Roz is being portrayed by MTSU favorite Angela Tipps. The ensemble features many newcomers to the Center stage.

Tickets can be purchased on the Center's website at www.boroarts.org; calling (615) 904- 2787; or stopping by the Center's box office at 110 W. College St. in downtown Murfreesboro. Prices are $15 for adults; $13 for seniors, students and military, $11.00 for children. Group tickets are available. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.

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