Barter takes care of business with '9 to 5'
Barter is taking care of business with its upcoming production of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5: The Musical,” opening Thursday, Feb. 23 on the Abingdon, Va., theatre’s main stage.
Tickets are $30, $34 and $39.
Barter, a professional, non-profit Equity theatre, is the first regional theatre to gain the rights to produce “9 to 5: The Musical,” Parton’s first venture into Broadway.
“I haven’t seen many Broadway musicals even to this day,” Parton has said in interviews. “I didn’t know much about it, so I didn’t know I was supposed to be afraid of it. I had good guidance, so I thought I could pull it off, and danged if I didn’t. I kind of got the bug. I imagine I’ll be doing more in the future.”
For now, audiences can enjoy the show in Abingdon, where it comes, quite literally, direct from Broadway. A musical comedy full of laughter and side-splitting Southern sass, “9 to 5: The Musical” follows three women as they scheme to take control of their company from a chauvinistic and sexist boss. Hilarious and a little romantic, “9 to 5: The Musical” is about joining forces and taking care of business.
Ashley Campos, Tricia Matthews and Erin Parker star as Judy, Violet and Doralee, respectively, in this musical based on the 1980 film “9 to 5,” made famous by Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin (the latter of whom happens to be a Barter Theatre alum). The musical closely follows the film, and the ladies’ fantasies are a highlight of both.
“Not only do the leading ladies have great chemistry together and a great history with Barter, they have outstanding chops when it comes to singing, dancing and acting,” said Richard Rose, Barter’s producing artistic director. “Get ready for spectacular dance numbers. Plus, nearly all of the members of Barter’s Resident Acting Company are in it, so ‘9 to 5: The Musical’ will be grand on every level.”
Rose, who’s also the show’s director, likens “9 to 5” to Barter’s 2010 smash hit “The Full Monty,” with one noticeable difference — everyone in “9 to 5” keeps their clothes on, he said with a chuckle.
“This show has every opportunity to be as exciting and wonderful as ‘The Full Monty’ because the story is written so that we care about the characters and want them to succeed,” Rose said. “I imagine our audience will hoot, howl and cheer for these women.”
Parker, who has gained national recognition for her work as artistic director of MAS Nashville, plays Parton’s character from the movie.
“The story takes place in 1979, and my character, Doralee, and her coworkers, Violet and Judy, are going against societal norms, breaking the glass ceiling, breaking into the boy’s club, and that in itself is pretty exciting,” said Parker, whose regional acting credits include the first national tour of “Ring of Fire” and Martina McBride’s “Joy of Christmas” tour. She was last seen at Barter as Jenny in “The Road to Appomattox,” Mora in “Dracula Bites,” and Belle in “A Christmas Carol.”
“You don’t have to be a Broadway or country music fan to love this [show],” Rose said. “These are some of the most glorious songs ever written for the stage, and I say that without hesitation. ... You may not know the music now, but you’ll be singing it as you leave the theatre.”
“Shine Like the Sun,” “I Just Might” and “Get Out N Stay Out” are just a few of the cast’s favorite tunes.
Among Barter’s special promotions for the show is the “Bring 9, Get 5” group discount. Groups of nine or more will receive $5 off each ticket. Barter is also partnering with the YWCA of Bristol to recognize its most recent Tribute to Women honorees.
“The heart of ‘9 to 5: The Musical” is about women making a difference in the workplace,” said Lori Hester, Barter’s director of patron services. “That’s why on select dates during the run of Barter Theatre’s production we are honoring women who are making a difference in our region.”
“9 to 5” will play in repertory through May 12.
For tickets or more information, call (276) 628-3991 or visit www.BarterThe? atre.com? .
To comment, you must register and verify your email address by telephone.
Comments are the sole responsibility of the registered user participating in online discussions. You agree not to post comments off topic, abusive, obscene, defamatory, vulgar, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned.
Browse Premiere Local Businesses
