9 to 5:
The Musical

When I think of 9 to 5: The Musical , one word comes to mind: joy. I have loved this musical since I was in high school, and every time I return to it, I discover something new. That is the beauty of theatre. A story continues to evolve, revealing different truths depending on where we are in our own lives. I was drawn to the infectious energy of Dolly Parton's music, the vibrant theatricality of the score, and the opportunity to create an experience that celebrated laughter while still honoring the humanity beneath the comedy.

From the very beginning, I wanted this production to feel unmistakably Dolly. Glitter, bold color, larger than life personalities, heartfelt storytelling, and of course, big hair all became part of the visual language of our world. Every artistic choice embraced the musical's playful spirit while allowing the relationships between Violet, Judy, and Doralee to remain grounded in honesty. Beneath the comedy is a story about seeing one another clearly, challenging assumptions, and discovering that meaningful change often begins through genuine human connection.

Bold movement, heightened character work, vibrant design, and playful theatrical transformation created a world that celebrated individuality without losing sight of the story’s deeper purpose. The production invited the audience to experience joy while considering how empathy, collaboration, and the courage to stand beside one another can create meaningful change. My hope was that this production reminded audiences that joy is not separate from meaningful storytelling. Sometimes the most lasting stories are the ones that allow us to laugh together, celebrate one another, and rediscover the simple gift of being fully present.