The Palace Theater has cast its October Broadway show, “9 to 5, The Musical.”
The Palace Theater has cast its October Broadway show, “9 to 5, The Musical.”
Thanks to a wealth of local talent, the directors promise a great show that will begin its run Oct. 7. “9 to 5, The Musical” is a high-energy production, based on the hit movie of the same name and features three strong female leads and their male boss. Created by country music and film star Dolly Parton and the film’s original screenwriter, Patricia Resnick, the show is filled with fast-paced music and myriad dance scenes.
Justine Thompson, a veteran voice of Palace musicals, plays Violet Newstead, a smart, efficient, widowed mother of a teenage son. Constantly passed over for promotion in the boys’ club of the corporate world, Violet runs the office from her desk while her boss takes the credit.
Rachel Edwards brings her talented voice to Judy Bernly, a meek housewife whose husband has left her for his secretary. As the play progresses, Judy becomes a force to be reckoned with when finally at home in the working world.
Stephanie Becher takes on the role of Parton character Doralee Rhodes. Doralee is a sexy country gal who is the boss’ secretary. Despite false rumors about an affair with their boss, Franklin Hart, she bonds with the other two women to play a major role in taking their boss down.
William McGregor takes on the persona of Hart, their pompous jerk of a boss. He is the epitome of a smarmy, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot.
The balance of the cast is completed by the talents of Noam Akiba-Hajim, Phillip Russell, Randal McEndree, Reina Dawn, Rachel Klein, Ruth Robison, Lina Manning, Simone Tincher-Lewis, Joy Sever, Norman Arancon, Jim Thompson, Roni Koscik, Joan Derbyshire, Tanya Aynessazian, Raven Morgan and Samantha Shea.
With some new faces and others well-known from previous fall musicals on the Palace stage, this year’s fall musical promises to be an exciting night of music, dance and laughter.
Director Jeri Gertz is shares the responsibilities of the production with choreographer Michael Misita and musical director Devon Lerma.
“One of the most fun parts of a Palace musical is discovering new talent,” Gertz said about the casting. “Sometimes that means new people and sometimes it shows itself in a newfound talent of one of our repeat cast members.”
With a theme of female empowerment floating through every note and choreographed encounter, the Palace Theater is partnering with local women’s organizations for a targeted clothing drive called “Dress for Success.” The community is invited to help with this clothing drive by donating professional women’s clothing. Partnering with the Palace will be the YWCA, Zonta, Hilo Woman’s Club and Hope Services.
“The donated clothing will be used to help empower women and teen girls to self-sufficiency and economic independence,” said Morgen Bahurinsky, Palace Theater executive director. “And, your garments may be used in the show!”
Post-production, all clothing will be cleaned and donated to local homeless and family crisis shelters, Bahurinsky said.
Drop off clean, gently used, professional or business clothing between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at the YWCA offices, 1382 Kilauea Ave.
For more information on the clothing drive, contact Gertz at 989-3208; Kathleen McGilvray of the YWCA at 935-9141, ext. 102; Beverly Heikes of the Hilo Woman’s Club at 935-1561; Charlene Iboshi of the Zonta Club at 935-2544; or Malu Debus of Hope Services at 217-2830.
Tickets for “9 to 5, The Musical” are on sale for $15 at the Palace box office or by phone with a credit card at 934-7010 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.