If you don’t know Doc Brown but still want to experience another era. Minus the whole-time travel conundrum where now you start to disappear from a picture, but why was it all slow like? Never mind, well I am going to give you a little gem that I hope you enjoy if you are free between April 25 to May 11, 2025, and you’re going to be near the Massey Theatre in New Westminster, and if not, once you keep reading, I know you’ll make sure you’re in the area.
Royal City Musical Theatre (RCMT) is proud to present Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical. This production transforms the beloved 1980 film into a live stage spectacle that blends comedy, empowerment, and toe-tapping tunes.
It celebrates a truly timeless story of three hard working women Violet, Judy, and Doralee who take a stand to reclaim dignity and reshape their workplace resonates as strongly today as it did in the late ‘70s, offering both humor and a poignant commentary on female empowerment.
The original film, released in 1980, is a classic American comedy directed by Colin Higgins. Starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, it tells the story of three secretaries who, fed up with workplace sexism and exploitation, unite to turn the tables on their despotic boss, Franklin Hart Jr., played by Dabney Coleman. The film’s success was bolstered by its memorable title track written and performed by Parton which topped the Billboard 100 charts on February 21, 1981, and earned critical acclaim.
Notably, Parton famously used her acrylic fingernails to mimic the sound of a typewriter, adding a unique percussive quality to the song that helped make it an enduring anthem of female resilience which to this day adds that special little touch. I literally stop writing this story just to play her song.
The musical adaptation features original music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, who also co-wrote the screenplay of the original movie.
Mom’s take your daughter, dad’s what a great opportunity to bond with your daughter and have a fun filled night of laughing and bonding and maybe just learning a little something about how to be a little better. Or a bunch or rowdy ladies looking to have a great night on the town and laugh at the women who takes the man down a peg or two.
If you happen to read this and live nowhere near New West, well sit on the couch and put the movie on, you’ll be glad you did.
Brian Smith
bsmith288@my.bcit.ca