“9 to 5: The Musical” at PJC

Published or Revised November 20, 2015

A tale of three women – an overworked office manager, a jilted wife, and an objectified secretary – who conspire to depose their smarmy boss and make woman-friendly changes in the workplace is at the heart of the new production at Paris Junior College, Nov. 12-15. “9 To 5 The Musical,” with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and the 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 co-workers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot who is their boss (Hart). 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. Hey, a girl can scheme, can't she? “This show is just as relevant today as it was in the 1970’s,” said PJC drama instructor and musical director William Walker, “where we are seeing how women are treated as less than the men, especially when it comes to pay and advancement. This show allows us to present the issue of workplace equality in a fun and exciting way while still conveying the message. How can you go wrong, it was written by Dolly Parton herself.” Leading ladies of the production include Raven Maxwell of Cooper as Judy, Crystal Finney of Honey Grove as Violet, and Megan Boudewijn of Cooper as Doralee. “This will be really fun play,” said Maxwell, “people will be laughing.” “My character Violet is sassy and bold with all of her statements,” said Finney. “It’s kind of every woman’s dream from that era to stick it to the guy who gets everything he needs or wants when he doesn’t deserve it. It’s going to be awesome.” “It’s completely new,” said Boudewijn, “I’ve never done anything like it. It’s a lot of work but it’s a lot of fun at the same time and I’m really excited to see how it turns out on stage.” The show runs Nov. 12-14 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2:30 p.m. in the Ray Karrer Theater inside the Administration Building on the PJC campus. Tickets are $10.00 general admission and free to students, faculty, and staff with PJC ID. For information, call 903-782-0488. Cast Crystal Finney - Violet Newstead, Megan Boudewijn - Doralee Rhodes, Raven Maxwell - Judy Bernly, Caleb Curtis - Franklin Hart, Jr., Saveuyon Brown - Roz Keith, Dalton Smith - Joe, Bryce Crawford - Dwayne, Antavius Draughn - Josh, Rachel Dean - Missy, Amber Nelms - Maria, Cermon Beshirs - Dick, Stormy Wilhite - Kathy, Lisa Martin - Margaret, Jared Jenkins - Bob Enright, Mike Risinger - Mr. Tinsworthy, Elizabeth Belger - the Detective, Kayleigh Forbes - the Doctor, Ashley Palmer - the Candy Striper, Paula Vaughan - the New Employee, and Candace Weist - the Intern. Crew Stage Manager - Heather Collins, First Assistant Stage Manager - Sydney Pollard, Second Assistant Stage Manager - Shelby Scholta, Third Assistant State Manager - Haley Strode, Sound Board Operator - Keitron Reed, Light Board Operator - Miriam Castro, and Crew - Cast.