In May, at CDC Theatre in Cranford, three unlikely friends will take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world. 9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.
“Having loved the movie, I was excited to see show when it was on Broadway, and was not disappointed. “Already in rehearsal at the theatre’s home at 78 Winans Ave. in Cranford, Clifford Parrish, who is both the director and musical director of the show, shared some of his reasons for coming back to work on a show at CDC Theatre. “The audience was really with these women as their story unfolded. Even though we’ve come a long way on women’s issues since 1979, the story still needs to be told. Even though it’s a comedy, this show is about women’s empowerment. The Dolly Parton score is also a lot of fun, with some truly beautiful ballads. I am excited about working with a tremendously talented cast!”
The large cast features frequent performers at CDC and some new faces. Kara Wilson, Melissa Timpson and Hannah Schroeder take the leading roles of Judy, Violet and Doralee. Richard Colonna will be their lecherous boss Mr. Hart and Arlene Britt his adoring employee Roz. Jason Cilento is Joe, a handsome accountant smitten with Violet while Mark Piltz plays Doralee’s supportive and attractive husband Dwayne, with Will Roper as Violet’s teenage son Josh. Joel Redmount will play Hart’s boss and Chairman of the Board, Mr. Tinsworthy and Danielle Gruskiewicz is Hart’s unsuspecting wife. The ensemble and featured roles will be brought to live by Michele Greenspan, Katherine Brown, Joanna Riley, Carolyn Milhiser, Beth Kasper, Zach Mazouat, Edgar Hidlago and Tommy Lackamy.
The production will open on May 5 and run weekends through May 20. Additional information and tickets can be found by visiting www.cdctheatre.org. Funding has been made possible in part by the NJ State Council on the Arts, Dept. of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs.
(above) The cast of 9 to 5 The Musical.
