Bringing a slice of Broadway to Salem, Pentacle Theatre’s production of “9 to 5: The Musical” opens Aug. 19.
Featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, this adaption of the popular 1980 movie that starredJane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabney Colemanis the story of three female coworkers getting even with their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss through a comedic roller coaster of events.
Director Robert Salberg, a Pentacle regular who directed “Young Frankenstein” last year, had his eye on bringing a female-focused show to the theater.
“Last year was a male-heavy show. This year I was looking for something that featured more women,” Salberg said.“We have so many women that want to be in musicals and that are very talented.”
Salberg, who first saw the movie “9 to 5” when he was about 10, said it always held a soft spot in his heart, especially Lily Tomlin, who was also in “The Incredible Shrinking Woman.” Raised by a strong mother and three strong sisters, Salberg related to the characters he saw in “9 to 5”
“A movie that is about empowering women is natural for me,” he said.
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And while the movie featured a number of recognizable names, the local production’s lineup is just as notable if you are in the loop with past performers ofPentacle plays. This show featuresKelli Jaecks in the role of Violet, Heather Toller as Judy, Geri Sanders as Doralee and Ed Schoaps as Franklin Hart.
Jaecks, 2014 winner of Dancing with the Salem Stars, has been in numerous Pentacle shows, the most recent and memorable of which was “Chicago” last year when she played the role of Roxy.
Toller recently returned from Los Angeles where she participated in a musical theater summer camp for adults, Salberg said.
“She has a big powerhouse song and a Whitney Houston-type voice,” Salberg said. “She’s been a staple in many of my shows. People will recognize her as Fantine from ‘Les Miserables.’ She’s just really good.”
Sanders is the choreographer of the show, while simultaneously starring as one of the leads.
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“The three women have very little time off the stage. I knew going into this show how busy I was going to be, so having three really reliable women was important to me. The three have been rock solid balancing their families and personal commitments with the show,” Salberg said.
While the play follows the same lines as the movie, there is one role that has experienced some change, the character of Roz, Hart’s assistant.
“They have taken that role and really beefed it up,” Salberg said. “She is in many more scenes than in the movie, and there is a subtext love interest thing with her and Franklin Hart.”
There is a song in act one that no one will expect coming, Salberg said.
Those familiar with the film will also sense the connection between it and the play as Salberg has focused on the recognizable details. There is an element of technology applied in order to capture the must-have moments, Salberg said, as act one ends with Hart hanging in the air.
A live four-piece rock band will provide musical accompaniment. Live music, Salberg said, is more meaningful than a recorded sound track and provides a greater experience.
“It’s a lot of music people haven’t heard, all written by Dolly Parton,” Salberg said. “She obviously has the title song, but she worked with the writers of the show to write the rest of the score. There are definitely some singable songs. You will leave with that classic ‘9 to 5’ in your head.”
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And if that was not enough to convince you, the show carries a message, too.
“Right now where we are in politics, it’s all being retold in a different way. It’s surprising, and sad, how relevant it is to right now, this show written in 1979,” Salberg said.
“To a certain level, there is a silliness about it, there is a fun about it. It tackles a serious topic but in a way that is not hitting you over the head,” Salberg said. “It’s a moral lesson in a comedic way, so even though it is women, truly, anyone should be able to relate to it. We have all been in situations where we have been held back, pinned down or not appreciated. It’s a universal message told from a women’s perspective in the workplace.”
Come with an open mind, plus Salberg saidguys will score points with female friends for seeing this show.
“And aside from supporting arts and culture in Salem, there is a cast of talented people. Their performances alone are worth the price of admission,” Salberg said.
Email cwright2@StatesmanJournal.com, call 503-399-6671, or follow on Twitter @CarleeWrightSJ
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If you go
What: “9 to 5: The Musical,” with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick; directed by Robert Salberg
When:7:30 p.m. Aug. 19-20, 24-27, Aug.31-Sept. 3 and Sept.7-10, plus 2 p.m. Aug. 21, 28 andSept. 4
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW
Cost:$25 weekdays and $26 weekends; seniors, students and active military receive a $1.50 discount
Tickets: Purchase at Pentacle’s ticket office, 145 Liberty St. NE, by calling 503-485-4300 or at pentacletheatre.org
Not for the kids: Sex, language, violence, smoking and drug use
For low-income persons: In partnership with Salem for All, Pentacle offers half-price tickets to Oregon Trail Card holders. For information, go to salemforall.org.
Benefit night
The Wednesday, Aug. 24, performance of Pentacle Theatre’s production of “9 to 5” will benefit KMUZ Community Radio station. There will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. where people can meet the faces behind KMUZwhile munching on light refreshments. There will be a no-host bar and opportunity to win art by Salem artist Melody Fahey. Tickets are $25. Purchase at pentacletheatre.org or by calling the KMUZ office at 503-990-6091.
