9 To 5: The Musical will open for business at the St. Jacobs County Playhouse March 7th through March 25th.
Based on the classic motion picture, this story of friendship, female empowerment, and revenge in the Rolodex era features the blockbuster title song, plus a score of 18 original numbers penned by music icon and film star, Dolly Parton.
“We are very excited to launch our 2012 Season with this high-energy production. Audiences are going to be thoroughly entertained,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “Three incredible female performers have been cast in the leading roles and I have no doubt that ‘girl power’ will be emanating from the stage.”
Lisa Horner takes on the role of super-efficient office manager Violet Newstead, portrayed by Lily Tomlin in the 1980 film. Theatregoers will recognize Horner from her performances in Hairspray and How the Other Half Loves in 2011, as well as being the infamous “Start the Car” lady in the popular IKEA commercial.
Jayme Armstrong, who played Rosemary in Drayton Entertainment’s recent production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying will tackle Jane Fonda’s movie character – the frazzled divorcee and office newbie, Judy Bernly.
Baden native Joanna Guistini plays the sensational secretary Doralee Rhodes – a role made famous by Dolly Parton in her big screen debut. Guistini has appeared in numerous musicals and concerts throughout Waterloo Region including Footloose and Aida.
After a 12-year hiatus Mustakas himself will return to the stage in this production as “The Boss”, Franklin Hart Jr. Loathed as a “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical boss,” Mustakas has his work cut out for him in a role that sees him bound and gagged, and hung from the rafters when the women put their outrageous plan to give him the boot into action.
“I am really looking forward to getting back on the boards,” says Mustakas. “Over the years, patrons have asked if I will return to acting, and I’ve always replied ‘When I can find the time!’ I’ve come to realize that if I wait for that opportunity, it may never happen,” he jokes.
Making the most of the time that he is devoting to this production, Mustakas is also directing one of the largest casts the theatre company has ever assembled. Joining him on the Creative Team is Music Director Robert Foster and Choreographer Gino Berti, both of whom were instrumental in the creation of Drayton Entertainment’s Legends series.
In an on-going effort to create opportunities for community involvement in the performing arts, Drayton Entertainment is capitalizing on this production to provide local up-and-comers with the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals. Both onstage as members of the supporting ensemble, and offstage in production, the talent in 9 To 5: The Musical is comprised of established artists and many community theatre performers through a collaboration with Kitchener-Waterloo Musical Productions.
9 To 5: The Musical runs from March 7th through March 25th. Tickets can be purchased in person at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, online at www.draytonentertainment.com or, by calling (519) 747-7788 or Toll Free 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
