9 to 5 the Musical
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, Book by Patricia Resnick
Directed by Justin Been
Choreographed by Michelle Sauer and Sara Rae Womack
Stray Dog Theatre
April 4, 2026
Mara Bollini, Sarah Polizzi, Janelle Gilreath Owens and Cast
Photo: Stray Dog Theatre
I’m still not convinced 9 to 5 needed to be a musical. A hit comedy film from 1980 featuring the talents of Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and Dolly Parton, the story was brought to the stage seemingly as a reason for the beloved Parton to write a musical score. And the score is probably the best part of 9 to 5 the musical, which also gets to serve as the showcase for its cast and especially the three leads, who are are notably excellent in Stray Dog Theatre’s latest production, directed by Justin Been. Still, the script doesn’t land quite the way the movie’s did (even though it’s written by the same author), although SDT’s cast and crew certainly try their best, and make for a crowd-pleasing production.
I saw this show a few years ago, in a well-produced version from another local theatre company, and while I enjoyed it, for the most part, it didn’t make a strong case for why this show needs to exist in the first place. My thoughts about SDT’s production are along the same lines, although the cast and production values are certainly energetic and bring out much of the comedy of the piece. There are even featured video segments featuring Dolly Parton herself that add to the nostalgic air that seems to be the aim of the show now that its setting is almost 50 years in the past. There’s a vibrant production design featuring a colorful and versatile set by Rob Lippert, memorable costumes by Colleen Michelson and wigs by Sarah Gene Dowling, eye-catching lighting by Tyler Duenow and projections by Justin Been, energetic choreography by Michelle Sauer and Sara Rae Womack, and a fantastic band led by music director Mal Golden. Still, the overall impact of the show is different now, taking a lot of the “bite” out of the sharp satire from the film and playing out more as a “remember when” sort of story that majors on nostalgia, although the overall story majors on women who struggle to be taken seriously in the workplace and male co-workers who are largely sexist ogres, especially the boss, the selfish and scheming Franklin Hart (Joel Garrett Brown).
The story is mostly the same as the film, following three different women–longtime employee and management candidate Violet Newstead (Jennelle Gilreath Owens), “Backwoods Barbie” secretary and object of the boss’s lust Doralee Rhodes (Sarah Polizzi), and recent divorcee and workforce newbie Judy Bernly (Mara Bollini), who all have their various difficulties trying to succeed at their company, Consolidated. Among the obstacles is the obnoxious Hart along with his lovestruck assistant Roz (Laura Lee Kyro) and the general “boys club” office environment. There’s also an added love interest for Violet named Joe (Cole Guttman) who works in accounting and turns up from time to time, but isn’t given a lot to do. The plot essentially follows the film’s story, but with singing, dancing, and production numbers.
The cast is strong, especially for the three leads. Owens projects the right degree of determination and competence as Violet, Bollini is especially adept at the comedy as the gutsy but green Judy, and Polizzi excels at playing a “Dolly Parton-type” without expressly imitating Parton. There’s also a memorable turn from Kyro as the lovesick Roz, who comes across as somewhat pathetic here, especially considering how sleazy Hart is, played with energy by Brown. There are fine turns by Josh Heffernan as Doralee’s devoted husband Dwayne and Gutmann making the most of an underwritten role as Joe. There’s also an enthusiastic ensemble who make the most of the energetically choreographed production numbers starting with the well-known title song.
9 to 5 was a hit film, and the musical received mixed reviews on Broadway. It’s certainly a crowd-pleaser, and a showcase for Parton’s music and the well-cast three leads at Stray Dog Theatre. It has its fun moments, but it still doesn’t convince me that this movie needed to be a stage musical. Still the cast and crew make the most of this larger-than-life nostalgia fest. Especially if you’re a fan of the film, it’s worth checking out.
Cast of 9 to 5 the Musical
Photo: Stray Dog Theatre
Stray Dog Theatre is presenting 9 to 5 the Musical at Tower Grove Abbey until April 25, 2026
