Wright State Theatre production of ‘9 to 5: The Musical’ runs March 16 to April 2

“9 to 5: The Musical,” based on the 1980 movie of the same name, opens March 16 in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Wright State University Theatre continues its 42nd season in the Festival Playhouse with the comedy “9 to 5: The Musical,” running March 16 to April 2.

Performances are March 16, 22, 23 and 30 at 7 p.m.; March 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and April 1 at 8 p.m.; and March 19, 25, 26, April 1 and 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults, and $20 for students and seniors.

For tickets call the Box Office at 937 775-2500 or purchase tickets online.

“9 to 5: The Musical” is based on the 1980 movie of the same name, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It features a book by Patricia Resnick, based on the screenplay by Resnick and Colin Higgins. The musical premiered in Los Angeles in September 2008 and opened on Broadway in April 2009. It received 15 Drama Desk Award nominations and four Tony Awards nominations.

The Wright State production features Bailey Edmonds (Violet Newstead), Natalie Girard (Doralee Rhodes), Meredith Zahn (Judy Bernly), Joey Logan (Franklin Hart Jr.), Emily Chodan (Roz Keith), Zach Fretag (Joe), Joey Kennedy (Josh); Male Ensemble: Eli Davis, David Emery, Colin Hodgkin, Joseph Lampe, Aaron Roitman, Tristan Allen, Cody Westbrook; Female Ensemble: Danielle Bessler, Emma Buchanan, Robin Dunavant, Christine Fiala, Rachel Green, Mackenzie Kasbaum, Grace Liesch, Alejandria Solis, Michaella Waickman; and Swings: Dylan Tracker and Brianna Russ.

“9 to 5” is directed by Greg Hellems (“Hot Mikado,” “Oklahoma!”), with musical direction by Scot Woolley (“No, No, Nanette,” “The Music Man”). Musical numbers are choreographed by Wright State alumna Megan Wean Sears. Sets are designed by Wright State alumnus Michael S. Brewer, lighting by Jessica Drayton (“No, No, Nanette,” “A Streetcar Named Desire”), costumes by Emily Sollinger (“A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Sondheim on Sondheim”), properties by John Lavarnway, and sound by Alex Koker.

Wright State Theatre season
Wright State Theatre’s season concludes with Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” April 21-23 in the Herbst Theatre.