Unleashing the Power of Workplace Empowerment: UGA Theatre's "9 to 5: The Musical"
The University of Georgia's Theatre department is set to captivate audiences with its upcoming production of "9 to 5: The Musical," a vibrant adaptation of the beloved 1980 film. Directed by Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor George Contini, this musical extravaganza promises to transport viewers back to a time when office dynamics were rife with gender-based inequalities, and a trio of determined women dared to challenge the status quo.
Empowering the Workforce, One Note at a Time
Bringing the 9to5 Movement to the Stage
The musical's roots can be traced back to the 9to5 movement of the 1970s, a grassroots effort led by female office workers who sought to address the systemic challenges they faced in the workplace. As dramaturg Dyllon Glaze (A.B. Theatre, '27) explains, "Jane Fonda was aware of the organization and saw a chance to shine a larger spotlight on the issues they faced." The original film adaptation, released in 1980, helped to elevate the discussion to a national level, giving voice to the struggles and aspirations of women in the workforce.Resonating with Audiences, Then and Now
Director George Contini's personal connection to the story adds a poignant layer to the production. "My mother worked as a principal's secretary when I was younger, and she always did her work with a smile. But when '9 to 5' came out, she began to recognize the extent to which her bosses would take credit for her work. Despite not being very strongly engaged in the women's movement to that point, she could suddenly get behind the idea of secretaries getting their due."The timeless themes of "9 to 5" continue to resonate with audiences today, as evidenced by the department's decision to include the musical as part of UGA's Spotlight on the Arts festival. "The themes of '9 to 5' are just as relevant today as when the original film was released," said Julie Ray, head of the theatre and film studies department. "It celebrates empowerment, standing up for what's right, and camaraderie — values that resonate with our students and audiences alike."Bringing the Soundtrack to Life
Audiences can look forward to an electrifying musical experience, as the production features an iconic Dolly Parton soundtrack. Parton, who co-wrote the original film's screenplay, has lent her musical genius to the stage adaptation, creating a vibrant and unforgettable score that captures the spirit of the story.Accessibility and Inclusivity
UGA Theatre's production of "9 to 5: The Musical" is committed to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all audience members. Performances on November 21 and 22 will feature ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation, allowing deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to fully immerse themselves in the production.Engaging the Community
In addition to the theatrical performances, UGA Theatre has curated a series of tie-in events to further engage the community and provide deeper insights into the themes and history of the "9 to 5" story. On November 6, the department will screen Steven Bognar's documentary, "9to5: The Story of a Movement," offering audiences a glimpse into the real-life events that inspired the original film. On November 8, the department will host a panel discussion titled "Heart to 'Hart': A Conversation on Workplace Feminism," featuring a diverse group of experts and community leaders.Tickets and Showtimes
Performances of "9 to 5: The Musical" will be held in the Fine Arts Theatre on November 14-15 and 20-22 at 8 p.m., as well as November 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at for the general public and for students, and can be reserved through the UGA Theatre website, by phone, or in person at the Performing Arts Center or Tate Center box offices.
