Here she comes again! The Beaufort Theatre Company presents “9 to 5 The Musical,” a new theatrical experience by none other than the indisputable Queen of Country, Dolly Parton.
The music superstar revisits her 1980 classic film for this hilarious adaptation that will have audiences laughing and cheering.
Like the movie, “9 to 5 The Musical” focuses on the struggle of three women in the workplace. Violet is strong, independent and constantly overlooked. Judy, the new hire, just wants to pick up the pieces and fend for herself after the unexpected demise of her marriage. Finally, there’s Doralee, the straight-forward Texan that is determined to prove she is more than meets the eye.
Standing in their way is Mr. Hart, the “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot.”
Together, these women overcome the odds and learn what ingenuity, persistence, and most importantly, friendship, can do.
The Beaufort Theatre Company finds talent in all corners of the Lowcountry community. The cast and production team include military families, educators, young professionals, local artists, professional performers and retirees.
Penney Smith, the talented performer perhaps best known in these parts for being one-third of the hit music group, the Sweetgrass Angels, brings an earnest and witty breath of life to the role of Violet Newstead.
Her bandmate and Beaufort Theatre Company alum, Elaine Lake, saunters and struts through a standout performance as Doralee Rhodes, the role originated by Dolly Parton.
Newcomer Lauren Cleland brings outstanding energy to the role of Judy.
Local favorite Brad Ballington, last seen on the BTC stage as the “teen angel” in “Grease The Musical,” is poised to thrill audiences once again as the despicable Mr. Hart.
Rounding the cast out is Alison Salters, Daniel Bittick, James Duffy, Maggie Cunningham, Noah Krepps, Steyn Maree, Susan Stott-Smith and Velma Polk.
Director Libby Ricardo returns to the BTC after two Broadway World South Carolina award-winning shows, “Grease” and “Little Shop of Horrors,” and her recent and highly-lauded production of “Godspell.” Although she originally hails from Rhode Island, she is a lifelong Dolly Parton fan and jumped at the opportunity to direct this show.
“I think people will be surprised at the quality of the music and by just how moving and relevant the story is,” she said. “Musicals are easy to write off as fluff entertainment, but, as with every show I’ve directed with BTC, the cast and I have worked hard to dig into the issues this show explores without losing any of the fun.”
Anna Wheeler once again lends her considerable talents as a music director, and Gina Taramasso gets the cast moving on her third outing as choreographer at the Center for the Arts.
Performances of “9 to 5” at the USCB Center for the Arts at 805 Carteret St. will be held Friday, Sept. 16; Saturday, Sept. 17; and Sunday, Sept. 18.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online, by phone, and at the box office. For more information, visit www.uscbcenterforthearts.com or call 843-521-4145.
