Show guide
9 to 5: The Musical
9 to 5: The Musical brings the beloved workplace comedy to the stage with a score full of Southern charm and sly wit. It is a celebration of solidarity among women pushed too far by an unbearable boss.
- Broadway premiere
- 2009
- Music by
- Dolly Parton
- Genre
- Comedy
- Setting
- 1980s
9 to 5: The Musical: quick answers
What is 9 to 5: The Musical about?
- 9 to 5: The Musical follows three office workers, Violet, Doralee, and Judy, who are fed up with their sexist boss Franklin Hart Jr. and end up holding him captive at his own house while they secretly run the company better than he did.
When did 9 to 5: The Musical open on Broadway?
- 9 to 5: The Musical opened on Broadway on April 30, 2009, at the Marquis Theatre, after a 2008 tryout at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. It closed on September 6, 2009, after 24 previews and 148 performances.
What kind of musical is 9 to 5: The Musical?
- 9 to 5 is a musical comedy with an original score by Dolly Parton, who wrote the music and lyrics, and a book by Patricia Resnick, co-writer of the 1980 film it adapts.
Where and when is 9 to 5: The Musical set?
- The musical is set in the late 1970s at the offices of Consolidated Industries, with scenes at Franklin Hart's house, where the women keep him captive.
Has 9 to 5: The Musical played in London's West End?
- 9 to 5 opened in the West End at the Savoy Theatre on February 17, 2019, with Louise Redknapp, Natalie McQueen, Amber Davies, Brian Conley, and Bonnie Langford, and ran until the COVID-19 shutdown in March 2020.
Is there a 9 to 5: The Musical movie?
- The musical is based on the 1980 film 9 to 5, directed by Colin Higgins and starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton in her film debut, and Dabney Coleman. The musical itself has not been filmed as a movie.
The story of 9 to 5
Set in an office in the late 1970s, 9 to 5 follows three coworkers, Violet, Judy, and Doralee, who are fed up with their sexist, egotistical boss. After a series of comic mishaps, the trio ends up running the office their own way, righting workplace wrongs and getting a surprising amount of revenge along the way.
The show is a comedy at heart, using its late-1970s office setting to poke fun at outdated corporate culture while championing themes of fairness, friendship, and standing up to bad bosses. Its blend of farce and heart has made it a relatable favorite for audiences who have ever dreamed of getting even with a difficult supervisor.
The music and the makers
The score was written by Dolly Parton, whose songs bring warmth, humor, and country-pop flavor to the stage. Parton's music captures both the comedic energy of the story and its underlying message about respect and empowerment in the workplace, blending toe-tapping numbers with more heartfelt ballads.
As a stage adaptation of a well-loved film comedy, the musical leans into big, playful production numbers that match its farcical plot, while still leaving room for character-driven songs that let the three leads shine individually.
9 to 5 on Broadway
9 to 5: The Musical opened on Broadway in 2009, bringing a well-known comedic story and a famous songwriter's voice to a new generation of theatregoers. Its blend of nostalgia, comedy, and a beloved pop culture pedigree gave it broad appeal.
The show has found a lasting audience beyond its initial Broadway run, popular with community and regional theatres and school productions thanks to its accessible humor and strong ensemble roles for women. It remains a fan favorite for audiences who love workplace comedy with a musical twist.
9 to 5: The Musical: frequently asked questions
When did 9 to 5: The Musical open on Broadway?
It opened on Broadway in 2009.
Who wrote the music for 9 to 5?
Dolly Parton composed the score.
What is 9 to 5: The Musical about?
It follows three coworkers who take matters into their own hands after enduring a sexist, difficult boss in a late-1970s office.
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