SUN CITY — The Theatre Company of Sun City will present Nine to Five as their spring musical production. The show, written by Patricia Resnick, features original music written by Dolly Parton, most notably the title song, which has remained an anthem for working people just ‘trying to earn a living.’ The song hit the top of the charts in the early 80s and garnered a People’s Choice Award and two Grammys for Parton.
The show centers around Judy, Violet, and Doralee, three office workers who are overlooked and underpaid by their egotistical boss, Franklin Hart. Those familiar with the 1980 film starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Dabney Coleman will note that the musical’s storyline closely echoes the film, but with added musical numbers. The show is rife with absurd workplace gossip and physical comedy that will keep the audience laughing, taking jabs at the trials and tribulations of women dealing with rampant sexism and the gender pay gap.
Nine to Five
Nine to Five will be presented in the Drendel Ballroom, 12880 Del Webb Blvd.
Performance Dates:
– Thursday, April 27, 7 p.m.
– Friday, April 28, 7 p.m.
– Saturday, April 29, 3 p.m.
– Sunday, April 30, 1:30 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased on Wednesday, March 29 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Drendel Breakout Room. Tickets will also be on sale Wednesday, April 5 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and Tuesday, April 11 from 1-4 p.m. in the Cedar Room, Fountain View.
Tickets are $20; cash or check only. For more information, call (847) 515-8545 or (847) 515-1583.
Sun City resident Jim Rice has been cast in the part of the unscrupulous boss, Franklin Hart. Rice is a long-time performer with the theater company, and also serves as set designer. Rice estimates that of the past 38 musicals and eight plays put on at Sun City, he has designed sets for over 40 of the productions.
“It’s a labor of love,” he says. “Emphasis on the labor!”
He describes the Nine to Five production as funny and fast-paced, with very quick scene changes. It’s one of the reasons Rice and his co-stars enjoy being part of the theater troupe. “Some of us have been involved for 20 years,” he says. “It’s a lot of hard work and fun and we keep coming back. It does keep you active.”
“There’s a lot of rewarding things about being in this group,” continues Rice. “One of them is to listen to the people afterwards and hear how well they enjoyed it. We’re hoping to continue the streak of the audience telling us, ‘This is the best show ever!’”
