The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis continues its 2011 Broadway Series with the First National Tour of “9 to 5: The Musical.”
“9 to 5: The Musical” is written and composed by Dolly Parton, who, along with composing the score, wrote the lyrics.
The musical’s theme song, “9 to 5” became one of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits of the decade, rising to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

“9 to 5: The Musical” is based off of the 1980 American film, “Nine to Five,” which was the highest-grossing comedy of 1980, with a total of $103,290,500 grossed in the U.S. alone.

“9 to 5” was also made into a television show, which aired from 1982 to 1988.

“9 to 5: The Musical” is the story of three innovative women struggling against sexism in the business world.

“I can really relate to the character’s struggles; even though sexism in the work force is less prominent than it was in the 1970s, it still exists and we [as women] are still affected by it,” Genevieve Knab, musical aficionado said.

“9 to 5: The Musical” first opened on Broadway in April of 2009 at the Marriott Marquis Theatre. “9 to 5: The Musical” was nominated for four Tony Awards in 2009 in categories such as Original Score and received the most Drama Desk nominations ever at 15 nominations, a record breaking amount.

“I didn’t know what to expect going into the show, but I was not disappointed. The choreography was very intricate and original, and the vocalists were simply amazing,” Saint Louis University theater major, Joey Sminchak said.

Director and choreographer, Jeff Calhoun grew up in Pittsburgh, juggling both football and dance practices as a kid.

Jeff Calhoun has directed and choreographed over 15 both Off-Broadway and Broadway shows. He has received numerous awards and nominations such as a Tony Award Nomination for the Best Choreographer for Grease and the L.A. Weekly Theater Award Nomination for Best Director for Big River.

“My favorite song was definitely ‘Backwoods Barbie’ because it was all about being misunderstood and underappreciated. I think everyone can relate to the tear invoking story of Doralee,” Knab said.
“9 to 5: The Musical” stars well-known Broadway stars Dee Hoty, Mamie Parris, Joseph Mahowald, Kristine Zbornik and Diana DeGarmo.
Kristine Zbornik had the theater patrons in stitches, as she portrayed the hilarious Roz Keith, a woman who had an unrequited love for her boss, Mr. Franklin Hart, Jr. Dee Hoty (Violet Newstead) represented her character perfectly, with her strong vocals and commanding stage presence.
Joseph Mahowald played the part of Franklin Hart, Jr., the character that all theatergoers love to hate.

“He was so awful to the women under his employ, as well as his wife, but you couldn’t help laugh at his ridiculous actions and anecdotes,” Sminchak said about Mahowald’s character.

Most notable would be Diana DeGarmo, who stole the show with her portrayal of the loving, sometimes erratic Doralee Rhodes.

Diana DeGarmo was runner-up on the third season of American Idol.

“My favorite character in the movie was Doralee Rhodes because she was so cute with her high accent and misconceived looks,” freshman Kerrie Monahan said. “That didn’t change when I saw the musical; it just made me love her character more.”

“9 to 5: The Musical” will be at the Fabulous Fox Theatre until Feb. 20.

Ticket prices start at $24. More information for ticket pricing can be found at the Fox’s website, fabulousfox.com.
For group orders of 15 or more, call  314-535-2900.