Women’s empowerment takes center stage this weekend and next, as Lancer Productions presents its spring musical “9 to 5” in the North Scott Fine Arts Auditorium.
“I grew up loving the movie, and was fortunate enough to see the original show on Broadway in 2009 and loved it,” said director Ashley Becher. “Part of choosing shows is providing the students with diverse opportunities and material, and we knew this would be different from the other shows they've done in their high school careers. This senior class is full of powerhouse women, and we wanted to pick a show that would showcase their dynamic talent and personalities.”
“Obviously, if you love the movie, you’re going to love the show,” said Lauren Pawloski, who plays Violet. “But the message at the time the movie was made, I think, still stands true today. And I think, now more than ever, it’s important to see a show with such a strong message in it like the show has.”
“I feel like this shows that women can do anything, and we can do just as much as anybody else can,” said Kyla Stone, who plays office worker Maria. “Don’t underestimate anybody, no matter who you are.”
“Something I really like about the message of this show is that it doesn’t just say that only a woman like Violet deserves to be in the role of a man,” said Gabby Andersen, a senior in the role of office busybody Roz. “But all of these women, like Doralee and like Judy, they all deserve to be respected the same way a man does.”
In addition to the message of women in the workplace, the show also tells the story of women coming into their own, and out of the shadow of men. Senior Ryenne Lacher plays Judy, whose marriage ended after her husband, Dick, left her for his much younger secretary. Judy must learn how to stand for herself, and as she becomes more confident, she finally learns she doesn’t need her husband, or any man, to feel whole.
“I think you see the character development,” said Lacher. “She comes on and she’s so shy and she’s never had a job in her whole life. She’s been dependent on a man her whole marriage, and she doesn’t have any life outside the house and working. And as the show goes on, there’s a final point where she’s like, ‘It’s my life, I get to do what I want, and I’m telling you to get out.’ And it’s really special to me to build up the whole show to that big message. It’s really special to me.”
Sophomore Natalie Sierk plays Dolly Parton’s character, Doralee. In addition to learning more about the woman behind the myth, which she described as “an honor,” Sierk said she’s also enjoyed learning more about local organizations that help women, such as Dress for Success Quad Cities, which Lancer Productions has partnered with on this show.
Pawloski said Lancer Productions is also trying to reach a different audience with this show, including people who maybe aren’t interested in seeing a Disney show. As the show is rated PG-13, she anticipates a more adult crowd.
Lacher agreed.
“It’s nothing like we’ve ever done before, especially in these past four years. And so, I think if people want to see something different and something more mature, then this is it. Really, you don’t want to miss it.”
“I also think that if you’re someone who’s seeing we’re doing ‘9 to 5’ is you’re like, ‘Ugh, old movie,’ then you need to give it a second chance,” said Andersen. “Because it’s so much fun and the message obviously applies today more than ever. So, I think it’s a really modern show, in that sense.”
“It’s such a good message, and it really puts life into perspective for the reality that some women can go through, and that people can really experience,” added Stone. “I really feel like it’s something that everyone should see, and if they know anything about it, they should come see it. Because we’ve all worked really hard, and it’s not something the community should miss.”
Stone also helped with the choreography for the show, which is dance intensive. She said she did a lot of research on the movie and the time period. There are also fantasy dance sequences, which added an additional challenge.
Among the fantasy sequences are a series of songs where the characters fantasize about how they would kill their boss, the sexist bigot Franklin Hart, played by senior Isaiah Serrano. He said he looked to other performances, including the original actor from the film, Dabney Coleman, as inspiration.
He said the show is really about the female characters and their stories.
“It’s about how they overcome their challenges and how, despite how bad things can look, there’s always a brighter side.”
“It is such a fun comedy with great music, and even a tap dance,” said Becher. “You're guaranteed to have lots of laughs, hear some great bops sung by top notch voices, and hopefully leave inspired!”
“There’s no way you’re not going to leave here without a smile on your face, or feeling empowered,” said Keegan Panther, who plays Joe, an office worker with a crush on Violet.
Meet the company
Based on the 1980 film, “9 to 5” centers on three women, Violet, Judy and Doralee, who work for the lecherous and pompous Franklin Hart at Consolidated Industries. Violet is a longtime employee who has not been given the opportunity to show her full potential; Judy is newly separated and entering the workforce for the first time; and Doralee is a beautiful, happily married country girl who is often ostracized by the other female employees.
After Judy has a horrible first day at work, Violet gets passed over for yet another promotion, and Doralee finds out Hart is spreading a rumor they are having an affair, the women unite, fantasizing about killing their boss. Violet nearly accidentally poisons Hart, and he threatens to blackmail the three women. Feeling empowered, the women imprison Hart in his own home and take over the office.
The cast includes: Lauren Pawloski (Violet); Natalie Sierk (Doralee); Ryenne Lacher (Judy); Isaiah Serrano (Franklin Hart Jr.); Gabby Andersen (Roz); Keegan Panther (Joe); Jack McCarthy (Dwayne); Micah Webb (Josh); Charlotte Madden (Missy); Kyla Stone (Maria); Ben Lightle (Dick); Taylar Vondal (Kathy); Adison Greer (Margaret); Kaden Timmerman (Bob Enright); Collin Meinert (Tinsworthy); Grady Kirst (Security Guard); Riley Plymale (Detective); Oliver Olsen (Cop); Jax Martin (Doctor); Jane Nichols (Candy Striper).
The ensemble includes: Abby La Plante, Addalie Reese, Addyson Yanke, Bella Suarez, Benjamin Hill, Brayden Serrano, Brooklyn Lacher, Charli Conner, Emma Zrostlik, Emme Plett, Hannah Nelson, Katelyn Peck, Madelyn La Plante, Madi Hillmann, Nora Davis, Sophia Steiner, Sydney Groene.
“9 to 5: The Musical” is directed by Ashley Becher, assisted by Bethany Sanders. The music director is Bobby Becher. Producer is Stacie Kintigh, and marketing is by Emily Hintze.
Choreography is by Ashley Becher, with additional choreography by Bethany Sanders, Emme Plett, Kyla Stone and Isabella Suarez.
The technical director is Josh Tipsword, assisted by Justin Walker. Stage manager is Madilyn Brus, assisted by Mya Kelsey. Aiden Kelsey is the lighting designer, and Kora Thiessen is light board operator. Spotlight operator is Bella Riley. Kaitlyn Knepper is sound designer/operator, and Mya Kelsey is the sound effects operator. The stage crew includes Carter Dorr, Nate Kramer and Taylor Crain.
The costume supervisor is Brooke Rich. Costume lead is Eva Wyatt. The costume crew includes Chloe Blair. Haidyn Koberg is props master. Wig and hair coordinator is Renae Mohr.
The set was designed by Josh Tipsword. The construction crew includes: Aiden Kelsey, Hannah Nelson, Eva Wyatt, Kora Thiessen, Emma Zrostlik, Adison Greer, Taylor Crain, Haidyn Koberg, Kallen Rohlf, Riley Plymale, Nathaniel Kramer, Carter Dorr, Keegan Panther, Grady Kirst, Charlotte Madden, Kaitlyn Knepper, Mya Kelsey, Addyson Yanke, Kyla Stone, Chloe Blair, Sophia Steiner, Brooklyn Lacher, Brayden Serrano, Nora Davis, Katelyn Peck, Taylar Vondal, Emmersen Plett, Benjamin Hill, Madilyn Brus, Gabrielle Andersen, Abigail La Plante, Madelyn La Plante, Madilynn Hillmann, Micah Webb, Isabella Suarez, James Martin, Ryenne Lacher, Ryann Petersen, Lauren Pawloski, Lillian Archer, Natalie Sierk, Charli Conner, Bella Riley, Oliver Olsen.
Soda Poppers include: Aurora Dolan, Allana Sosnowski, Bella Riley, Callie Poinsett, Charlotte Mendenhall, Elly Matheson, Makayla Miller, Sophia Nelson, Sloan Varner and Samantha Mussack, with servers Riley Neinhaus, Abby La Plante and Charlotte Madden.
Music and lyrics are by Dolly Parton. The book is by Patricia Resnick.
Performances are Friday, April 25 and May 2, and Saturday, April 26 and May 3, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 27 and May 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors and are available at the door and at tix.nshslp.com.
Dinner theatre performances are Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, with dinner seating in the high school cafeteria. Tickets for dinner are an additional $20 and must be purchased in advance at tix.nshslp.com.
“9 to 5: The Musical” is rated PG-13 and may not be appropriate for children. Viewer discretion is advised.