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Workin' nine to five
What a way to make a livin'
Ensemble
9 to 5: The Musical
When three overworked and underestimated office workers are pushed to the edge by their sexist, egotistical boss, they hatch a bold revenge fantasy that spirals into real change—transforming their toxic workplace and themselves along the way.
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The Basics
"9 to 5: The Musical" is a musical that premiered in Los Angeles in 2008 and opened on Broadway in 2009 with a book by Patricia Resnick and music/lyrics by Dolly Parton. The musical based off on the American comedy 1980 film "9 to 5" which Resnick also wrote for and Parton played the character Doralee Rhodes and wrote and sang the film's theme song "9 to 5".
The story revolves around three very different women who work at Consolidated Industries under the oppressive control of their sexist, egotistical boss, Franklin Hart Jr. Violet is a capable senior employee repeatedly passed over for promotion, Doralee is a kind-hearted secretary constantly objectified because of her appearance, and Judy is a newly divorced woman forced into the workforce for the first time. After bonding over their shared frustrations, the women fantasize about getting revenge on Hart. When a series of chaotic events leads them to believe they’ve accidentally poisoned him, they end up kidnapping and restraining him in his own home. With Hart out of the way, they secretly take over the office and transform it into a more productive, fair, and uplifting workplace.
The musical explores themes of female empowerment, workplace equality, friendship, and the dismantling of toxic corporate culture. It also highlights personal growth: Judy gains confidence and independence, Doralee proves she is more than her appearance, and Violet steps into leadership. Through humor, fantasy sequences, and upbeat musical numbers, the show ultimately celebrates solidarity and the idea that real change can happen when people challenge unjust systems together.
Patricia Resnick
Dolly Parton
"9 to 5", 1980 film
PG 13
2 acts
2 hours + intermission
Los Angeles - 2008
Broadway Musical - 2009
West End - 2019-2020
Australia - 2022
Comedy, Romance
Late 1970s, contemporary Los Angeles, CA
Main Cast: 8 F, 6 M
Large Ensemble - Office Employees, Police Officers, Hospital Workers
Standard
Adults, Young Adults, Late Teens
Professional Theatre, College Theatre, Community Theatre, High School
The History
The Real History Behind "9 to 5"
Before the musical, there was a TV show. And before the TV show, there was a movie. And there is a reason why the “9 to 5” movie was a cult classic hit during the 1980s.
The Original Film
"9 to 5" is a classic comedy film released in 1980 directed by Colin Higgins, written by Patricia Resnick, and starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton. The film proved to be a box office sensation earning $3.9 million during its opening weekend.
The Theme Song
Jane Fonda approached Dolly Parton to star in her upcoming film "9 to 5". Despite lacking prior acting experience, Parton agreed to take on the role of Doralee under the condition that she could write the theme song. A deal was quickly made.
The TV Show
Because the film was a huge hit, a sitcom was created to be based on the film. Unforunately, the show encountered many problems and ended up being cancelled after a couple of revamps and a drastic decline in views. The show only aired from March 25, 1982 to October 27, 1983 and again in September 13, 1986 to March 26, 1988.
The Broadway Musical
After much back and forth, the film was finally adapted into a musical written by Patricia Resnick and music/lyrics done by Dolly Parton. It ran for 24 previews and 148 performances with mixed reviews but garnered many fans.
The Plot
Setting & Premise
The musical is set in the late 1970s and follows three very different women working at Consolidated Industries, a large, male-dominated office run by the smug, sexist, and egotistical Franklin Hart Jr. The three women initially don’t know one another well, but Hart’s manipulative behavior and workplace harassment push them together.
Act I
The Office
The musical opens when an alarm goes off. Employees get up and ready for another workday ("9 to 5"). We meet Violet Newstead, a capable senior employee who effectively runs the office but has been repeatedly denied promotion. Doralee Rhodes, the secretary, is warm and friendly but objectified and gossiped about because of her looks. And Judy Bernly who is recently divorced after her husband leaves her for his secretary
At the workplace, Judy arrives for her first day of work. Hearing that she has never had a job, Violet takes Judy under her wing and shows her the ropes introducing her to the other employees including Doralee and Roz Keith ("Around Here").
Hart's Office
Doralee meets Franklin Hart Jr. in his office only to find herself the target of his aggressive advances. Despite his persistent flirtations and attempts to coerce her into compromising situations, Doralee resolutely rejects his advances ("I'm Here for You"). Their unsettling interaction is suddenly halted by the unexpected arrival of Hart's wife, Missy, putting an end to his pursuit.
Three Women's Wishes
In the Filing Room, Violet and her co workers gossip. Amidst the chatter, Joe, a junior accountant, comes over to ask Violet out only for Violet to reject him as she harbors insecurities about her age.
Meanwhile, Judy struggles to use a printing machine and creates a mess drawing the ire of Hart who harshly criticizes her efforts. It gets worse when Judy's ex husband, Dick, unexpectedly arrives with divorce papers. Judy feels helpless not realizing she isn't the only one stressed as Violet feels defeated and ignored from a long day of work and Doralee feels judged and alone for her looks ("I Just Might").
A Terrible Day at Work
The next day a coworker, Maria, voices her conviction that the men employees earn more than the women do. Meanwhile, Doralee asks Judy if she wants to go for lunch only for Violet to intervene. Doralee grapples with her sense of alienation reflecting on her whole life being nothing but a pretty face (“Backwoods Barbie”).
Doralee is summoned to Hart's office under the pretext of fixing his chair only to be confronted with the shocking revelation that he's been spreading rumors of an affair between them. The tension escalates as Roz enters informing Hart of Maria's attempt to uncover salary information about their colleagues. Violet, Doralee, and Judy, all visibly distraught by Maria's abrupt dismissal, gather by the elevators.
The Fantasies
After a humiliating day, Violet, Doralee, and Judy bond over drinks and vent about Hart. Fueled by a mix of frustration, fantasy, and pot, each woman envisions a grisly demise for Hart, ranging from femme fatale (“Dance of Death”) to crack rodeo star (“Cowgirl’s Revenge”) to a deranged fairytale character (“Potion Notion”). Once he is proclaimed dead, the women celebrate their victory (“Joy to the Girls”).
The Accident
The following day, in the coffee area, Violet vents her frustration to Joe about being tasked with buying rat poison and preparing Hart's coffee.
In a moment of distraction, Violet inadvertently pours rat poison instead of sweetener into Hart's cup. Only after she gives Hart his coffee, Violet realizes her error and confides to Judy and Doralee in the ladies' room. After sharing her mistake, they agree to figure it out together.
Roz eavesdrops on the entire conversation from a neighboring stall, and after the trio leaves, she hurries to inform Hart of the poisoning. In response, Hart devises a scheme directing Roz to inform the women that he's been rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Left alone, Roz finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of admiration for Hart ("Heart to Hart").
The trio rush to the hospital in search of Hart, fearing the worst after overhearing a police officer discussing the death of a poisoned victim. Assuming it's Hart, they frantically search for his body. Their efforts prove fruitless as the body they found isn’t Hart’s body.
The Kidnapping
Returning to the office, they find out Hart is alive and well, and the three of them resolve to move on.
However, Doralee finds out Hart knew about the rat poison, and he attempts to blackmail her. Fueled by frustration, Doralee takes action immobilizing him with a phone cord. With Hart subdued, the trio decide to take him hostage in his own home.
As they execute their plan, they voice their grievances with him and their aspirations for change finding newfound confidence to pursue their dreams ("Shine Like the Sun").
Act II
The New Office
Inside Hart's office, the three women brainstorm strategies to maintain secrecy regarding Hart's disappearance. Judy and Doralee highlight Violet's newfound role as a Operating Officer within the company. Inspired, Violet drifts into a fantasy, singing about her transformation into a formidable presence akin to the male employees who dominate the corporate hierarchy ("One of the Boys").
However, their plans hit a snag when Roz becomes suspicious about Hart's whereabouts. To divert her attention, Judy concocts a scheme to send Roz to a month long French language seminar in Denver, solely as a means of getting her out of the way. Upon receiving the memo, Roz is left feeling rejected and lonely, believing Hart doesn't value her ("5 to 9").
Hart's Captivity
Meanwhile, Hart, still confined in his bedroom, occupies his time watching soap operas. When Doralee brings him a meal, he lashes out. Unfazed, Doralee leaves him to stew in his bitterness. Reflecting on his situation, Hart becomes resentful and angry ("Always a Woman").
Personal Growth
Back at the office, the transformative changes implemented under Hart's name have noticeably improved the workplace atmosphere easing the burden on the employees including daycare for working mothers and rehiring Maria. While some employees are confused and hesitant over these new changes, Doralee encourages them to be assertive and positive ("Change It").
During lunch, Joe comments to Violet about the positive changes in the office, suggesting that someone else must be managing things given the newfound enjoyment he finds in his work. Initially evasive, Violet confides to him about what is really going on. Joe, impressed by their scheme, offers his assistance with the books but also takes the opportunity to again express his interest in Violet. Violet explains that she has remained loyal to her late husband and feels too old to engage in a new relationship. Joe urges her to embrace the possibility of love once more and to open herself up to new opportunities ("Let Love Grow"). Moved by his words, Violet takes a leap of faith, and they leave together hand in hand.
Later that evening, Judy's ex-husband, Dick, unexpectedly appears at Hart's house seeking reconciliation after being dumped by his secretary girlfriend. Judy firmly rejects his advances asserting her independence and refusing to entertain the idea of returning to someone who once caused her pain. With resolve, she commands him to leave ("Get Out and Stay Out").
The Chairman's Visit
The following day, Violet, Doralee, and Joe believe they have found all the evidence they need to go against Hart when he storms in. Having managed to break free, he now has the upper hand. However, before he can make a move, news arrives that Mr. Tinsworthy, the CEO of Consolidated, is paying a visit. Violet bravely speak up about their situation. And, a comedic twist unfolds as Tinsworthy appoints Hart to manage the South American branch in Bolivia. Because of this, Violet is promoted to Hart's position as President of the company sparking a celebration amongst the employees.
The Resolution
The characters reflect on their post-story journeys: Hart's mysterious disappearance in the jungles of Bolivia, Roz finding love with Hart's wife, Violet and Joe enjoying three decades of happiness together, Doralee thriving as a successful country singer in Nashville, and Judy finding fulfillment as a bestselling author and television personality (“Finale: 9 to 5”).
NOT ENOUGH TIME?
The Characters
Lead Characters
Key traits:
- Grounded and intelligent
- Transforms from competent to empowered
- The strategic leader of the trio
- A natural leader
- Journey centers on reclaiming her confidence and claiming the recognition she deserves
Violet Newstead
is the sharp, capable, and chronically overlooked senior supervisor at Consolidated Industries. She has worked at the company for years and essentially keeps the office running, though she’s repeatedly passed over for promotion in favor of less qualified men. A widowed mother raising her teenage son, Violet is practical, resilient, and fiercely intelligent. She has a dry wit and a strong moral compass, balancing warmth with no-nonsense authority. While she’s learned to survive in a sexist workplace by playing the game carefully, she harbors deep frustration that limits her advancement. Her journey centers on reclaiming her confidence and claiming the recognition she has always deserved.
Lead
Female
40 to 50
Alto
Vocal Range: F3 to D5
Judy Bernly
is the newest employee at Consolidated Industries and begins the musical as an insecure, sheltered young woman who is completely unprepared for the corporate world. Recently divorced after discovering her husband has left her for his secretary, Judy is suddenly forced to support herself for the first time. She is polite, sensitive, and eager to please, but beneath her nervous exterior is a sharp mind and untapped strength. She starts out overwhelmed and tearful, clinging to Violet and Doralee for guidance, yet she gradually discovers her own voice and sense of capability. By the end of the show, Judy stands firmly on her own, empowered in both her career and personal life.
Key Traits:
- Polite, sensitive, and a people pleaser, but also sharp and capable
- Transforms from timid to assertive
- The heart of the trio
- Journey centers on independence and gaining confidence and self-respect
Lead
Female
30 to 35
Mezzo-Soprano
Vocal Range: Ab3 toF5
Special Technique: Belting
Key traits:
- Warm, loyal, bold, and decisive
- Takes matters into her own hands to show she is more than she looks
- The rebel of the trio
- Journey centers on reclaiming her dignity and proving her competence
Doralee Rhodes
is the company’s secretary and the subject of constant gossip at Consolidated Industries. A strikingly attractive woman with big hair, bold fashion, and a strong Southern accent, she’s often underestimated and objectified. Though others initially assume she’s flirtatious or unintelligent, Doralee quickly proves she is neither. She’s warm, loyal, and sharp with a disarming sweetness that masks her grit and strength. Beneath her polished nails and bright smile is a woman who knows exactly who she is and refuses to be shamed for it. When she joins Violet and Judy in standing up to Hart, she becomes a partner in their rebellion. Her arc centers on reclaiming her dignity and demanding to be seen for her competence rather than her appearance.
Lead
Female
20 to 30
Mezzo-Soprano
Vocal Range: G3 to E5
Special Technique: Country, Belting
Franklin Hart Jr.
is the pompous, sexist, and self-important boss of Consolidated Industries. He thrives on power and control, ruling the office through intimidation, favoritism, and outdated gender roles. He takes credit for others’ work, routinely passes over qualified women for promotion, and views his female employees as either conquests or subordinates. Though he presents himself as charming and authoritative, his confidence is largely hollow. Once Violet, Judy, and Doralee turn the tables on him, his bravado quickly crumbles. Hart ultimately represents the oppressive corporate culture the women fight against, a culture unwilling to change.
Key traits:
- Pompous, sexist, egotistical, arrogant, and a coward
- Terrified of losing control
- Needs to feel important
Lead
Male
45 to 50
Baritone
Vocal Range: C3 to Gb4
Supporting Characters
Roz Keith
is Franklin Hart Jr.’s fiercely devoted administrative assistant and the self-appointed guardian of office order at Consolidated Industries. Sharp-eyed and intimidating, Roz is intelligent, efficient, and deeply committed to the company, but her loyalty is almost entirely centered on Hart himself. She harbors an obsessive crush on him, romanticizing his authority and turning a blind eye to his blatant sexism. Highly perceptive, she often suspects more than she lets on and operates as Hart’s enforcer, keeping tabs on employees and delighting in catching others out of line.
Supporting
Female
35 to 45
Alto
Vocal Range: G3 to C3
Special Technique: Belting
Joe
is a junior accountant at Consolidated Industries and one of the few genuinely kind men in the office. Mild-mannered, soft-spoken, and a little awkward, he stands in stark contrast to Franklin Hart Jr.’s blustering arrogance. Joe develops a sweet, tentative romance with Violet, admiring her intelligence and strength rather than feeling threatened by it. Though he’s not flashy or dominant, he’s thoughtful and emotionally aware—qualities that make him quietly appealing.
Supporting
Male
30 to 35
Tenor
Vocal Range: B2 to G4
Minor Characters
Office Workers:
- Maria Delgado - A secretary in Mr. Hart's office known of her youthful energy.
- Margaret - A secretary in Mr. Hart's office known for her tendency to drink.
- Kathy - A secretary in Mr. Hart's office known for her tendency to gossip.
Other:
- Russell Tinsworthy - The boss of Franklin Hart and Chairman of the Board. A discerning individual, he might be more aware of Hart's behavior than he reveals.
Family Members:
- Josh Newstead - Violet’s teenage son who is a bit too involved in his mother’s love life.
- Dick Bernly - Judy's ex-husband. An average guy who made too many mistakes and realized them a little too late.
- Dwayne Rhodes - Doralee's handsome husband who provides unwavering support for her career ambitions.
- Missy Hart - The wife of Franklin Hart unaware of her husband's real character.
Ensemble
Office Workers
Hallucination characters
Police Officers
Hospital nurses and doctors
NOT ENOUGH TIME?
The Musical Numbers
Act I
- "9 to 5" – Violet, Doralee, Dwayne, Judy and Ensemble
- "Around Here" – Violet and Ensemble
- "Here for You" – Franklin
- "I Just Might" – Judy, Doralee and Violet
- "Backwoods Barbie" – Doralee
- "The Dance of Death" – Judy, Franklin and Ensemble
- "Cowgirl's Revenge" – Doralee, Franklin and Ensemble
- "Potion Notion" – Violet, Franklin and Ensemble
- "Joy to the Girls" – Judy, Doralee, Violet, Franklin and Ensemble
- "Heart to Hart" – Roz and Ensemble
- "Shine Like the Sun" – Doralee, Judy and Violet
Act II
- "One of the Boys" – Violet and Boys
- "5 to 9" – Roz
- "Always a Woman" – Franklin and Men's Ensemble
- "Change It" – Doralee, Violet, Judy and Ensemble
- "Let Love Grow" – Joe and Violet
- "Get Out and Stay Out" – Judy
- "Finale: 9 to 5" – Company
Historic Context
“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. Because Parton was involved in the cult classic film and also created the famous theme song “9 to 5”, she was asked to be a part of the creating process for the musical.
Even having never composed and written for a broadway musical, Parton was thrilled to embarked on the creation of this musical adaptation. The musical underwent its initial table reading in 2007, followed by a trial run in Los Angeles the following year.
Despite learning a whole new side of composing music, Parton loved the challenge. She had a specific view for the musical based on what she knew about the story and the characters.
Parton, alongside Resnick, weave together a rich tapestry of new songs and scenarios, expanding upon the film's narrative to encapsulate the essence of proto-women's liberation in the 1980s. Through the characters of Violet, Judy, and Doralee, they portrayed a spectrum of empowerment:
- Violet demonstrates self-sufficiency doing her job and serves as a role model for her son despite professional setbacks.
- Judy decisively rejects her straying husband's return, embracing independence and fulfillment through her work.
- Doralee asserts her multifaceted identity beyond her appearance.
Parton's songs lend the production a vibe more akin to a jukebox musical than a traditional comedy. Her heartfelt country tunes resonate effectively, particularly in amplifying the emotional impact of pivotal plot developments that require an extra push to captivate the audience.
Parton's music and lyrics exude genuine enthusiasm, and the overall score is quite commendable. "9 to 5," the initial song heard in both the movie and the musical, serves as the opening number and recurs throughout the production to bridge scenes. Surprisingly, the musical's primary focus is indeed its music, offering a steady stream of lively production numbers, poignant solos, and harmonious trios. Fortunately, the entire cast rises to the occasion, showcasing their talent, competence, and infectious energy, making for an enjoyable viewing experience.
Throughout its performances in Los Angeles and New York, the musical accumulated an impressive total of 15 Drama Desk Award nominations and received four Tony Award nominations, one of which was for Best Original Score.
The "9 to 5: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)" features a collection of 18 tracks performed by the talented cast. Released on Dolly Records on July 14, 2009, the soundtrack received acclaim and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Show Album.
9 to 5: The Musical Fun Facts
- "9 to 5" employs a rock ensemble comprising keyboards, guitars, bass, drums, percussion, two woodwind musicians, two trumpeters, and a trombonist.
- Several songs were cut before the production went to Broadway:
- "Out of Control" - This song unfolds during the moment when Judy is operating the Xerox machine. Throughout the song, Judy gains a sense of assurance that she's mastering the task. However, chaos ensues as the machine unexpectedly goes haywire, with papers scattering everywhere.
- “Tattletales” - Set in the office cafeteria scene, Judy joins Violet and the other girls for lunch. They press Judy to share her story, but she hesitates. Kathy encourages her to open up prompting cafeteria patrons to share their own gossiping experiences.
- "9 to 5" (Reprise) / "The One I Love" - The "9 to 5" (Reprise) portrays employees departing for home reflecting on their taxing day. Following this, "The One I Love" starts featuring each woman in domestic settings: Judy admits her lingering affections for her ex-husband, Violet bonds with her son, and Doralee reconnects with her husband. "I Just Might" replaces this.
- "I Killed the Boss!" - While at the hospital, Judy, Violet, and Doralee overhear a doctor informing someone that a man is dead from poison. Misinterpreting the situation, Violet becomes hysterical believing the doctor is referring to Franklin. She frets that her actions have inadvertently led to his demise.
- "Mundania" / "Mundania" (Reprise) - Franklin grows increasingly bored and frustrated with the trio of girls as they surround him. Eventually, he becomes fed up and escapes. "Always A Woman" replaces this.
- "Willin'" / "Well-Oiled Machine" - The employees find themselves perplexed and uneasy amidst Mr. Hart's strange changes prompting the girls to encourage them to maintain their teamwork and solidarity. "Change it" replaces this song.
- Despite its grand scale and prestigious cast, "9 to 5" had faced a lukewarm reception from the theater community. Critics had offered mixed reviews, but the production has found favor among audiences.
- "9 to 5: The Musical" was Dolly Parton's first ever musical to compose and write for.
The Themes
Different Types of Abuse
9 to 5 highlights various types of workplace abuse, particularly focusing on gender discrimination and power dynamics in a corporate setting. The main antagonist, Franklin Hart Jr., the boss, engages in multiple forms of abuse toward his female employees.
Women Empowerment
Violet Newstead, Doralee Rhodes, and Judy Bernly each bring distinct strengths to the story, and their strengths complement each other, leading to their success in taking down their sexist boss and improving the workplace.
Friendship
Violet, Judy, and Doralee's friendship is at the core of the film. At first, they don’t trust each other. Violet sees Judy as naive, and both she and Judy wrongly judge Doralee based on workplace gossip. But as they bond over their shared struggles, they become a powerful team that challenges the system and wins.
Gender Dynamics
9 to 5 is packed with gender dynamics, particularly in how it portrays workplace sexism, female solidarity, and contrasting male behaviors.
The Importance of a Support System
The female leads each have different support systems that help them navigate their challenges. Together, these three women form a solid support system for each other, facing workplace injustices and empowering each other to take control of their careers and lives.
The Adaptations
After the Broadway show closed, several tours came after.
The US Tour
The first US National Tour began in September 21, 2010.
In production, Jeff Calhoun assumed the roles of director and choreographer leading a cast that starred Dee Hoty, Mamie Parris, Diana DeGarmo, and Joseph Mahowald in the lead roles.
The tour lasted for 10 months ending on July 31, 2011.
The UK Tour
A UK National Tour began running starting on October 12, 2012 and lasted to August 24, 2013.
Director Jeff Calhoun made a return to helm the production and leading the cast were Jackie Clune, Natalie Casey, Amy Lennox, Ben Richards, and Bonnie Langford.
West End
A few years later, West End opened their doors for the musical with the production starring Amber Davies as Judy, Louise Redknapp as Violet, Brian Conley as Franklin, Natalie McQueen as Doralee and Bonnie Langford as Roz.
Since then...
Australia has done their own national tour in 2022 while the US and UK both did a second national tour throughout their countries.
PERSONAL REVIEW
I hope you learned something new! Check out some of my other blogs and learn more about the world of musical theatre 🙂 See you later!
9 to 5 FAQ
Can I buy or stream the 9 to 5 cast recording on any digital music platforms?
Yes, you can buy or stream the 9 to 5 cast recording on most digital music platforms like Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, and more.
What is the plot summary of the musical "9 to 5"?
The story revolves around three very different women who work at Consolidated Industries under the oppressive control of their sexist, egotistical boss, Franklin Hart Jr. Violet is a capable senior employee repeatedly passed over for promotion, Doralee is a kind-hearted secretary constantly objectified because of her appearance, and Judy is a newly divorced woman forced into the workforce for the first time. After bonding over their shared frustrations, the women fantasize about getting revenge on Hart. When a series of chaotic events leads them to believe they’ve accidentally poisoned him, they end up kidnapping and restraining him in his own home. With Hart out of the way, they secretly take over the office and transform it into a more productive, fair, and uplifting workplace.
Where can I stream "9 to 5: The Musical" online?
Unfortunately, there is no offically recording of "9 to 5: The Musical", but there are some slime tutorials on YouTube.
How can I buy or stream "9 to 5: The Musical" cast recordings digitally?
Which online stores sell "9 to 5: The Musical" costumes or props?
Currently, the only places I know to buy costumes or props is on Etsy or this costume website. There should be others like this website online.
How long is "9 to 5: The Musical"?
2 hours and 15 minutes plus intermission.
Who wrote and composed "9 to 5: The Musical"?
Patricia Resnick wrote the book and Dolly Parton composed and wrote the music and lyrics.
When and where is the musical set in?
The musical is set in the early 1970s in Los Angeles.
Where can I read the script?
Currently, there is a free script of "9 to 5: The Musical" here.
Resources I Used for this Blog
