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Gun, rope or poison? A coalition of three females debates the answer as it seeks to avenge workplace mistreatment and overthrow womanizing boss Franklin Hart Jr. in Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5: The Musical.”
Hart, played by Larry Hyatt, is the deeply flawed headman at Consolidated Companies, a large corporation. He’s known for harassing his secretary, stymying female employees’ advancement and nonsensically firing others.
“He’s the antagonist for sure,” Hyatt says. “He’s a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot. He’s a womanizer who knocks things over just to look up the girls’ skirts.”
The musical opens July 12 at Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne. Based on Patricia Resnick and Colin Higgin’s 1980 hit film with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, the plot focuses on three workingwomen who hope to turn the tables on their womanizing boss – but there’s plenty of room for laughter amid the struggle.
“It has wonderful music, great choreography and fantastic hair,” Director Sue Peace says. “Just like the movie, it is a very funny show.”
Judy Bernly, played by Nicole Webb, is forced to find work after her husband wastes their savings, loses his job, and dumps her for his younger secretary. She ends up taking a position as a secretary with Consolidated Companies.
Violet Newstead, played by Georgia Naquin, is a feisty widow who reports directly to the boss. Violet has been loyal to the company while training countless employees in order to provide for her family.
Violet warns Judy about their “superiors,” which includes Hart’s executive assistant and resident snitch Roz Keith, played by Jeanne Scott.
“Roz goes around gathering info to report to Mr. Hart because she’s in love with him,” Scott says. “Her nosiness leads to a lot of trouble.”
Violet also tells Judy that Hart is “involved” with his curvaceous secretary, Doralee Rhodes, played by Brittany Weimer. Doralee refuses his advances, but Hart circulates the rumor that they are having an affair anyway, damaging her reputation and integrity in the office.
Weimer says Doralee is an all-around good girl.
“She’s a sweet, sexy, country girl that Hart likes to hit on in the office, but she’s not like that, so she tries to just ignore it to keep the peace with him,” Weimer says.
Throughout the show, Hart continues to mistreat his subordinates. He takes credit for Violet’s efficiency proposals and refuses to promote her, claiming that, “clients prefer to deal with men when it comes to figures.”
Naquin says Violet reaches her breaking point.
“She is used to swallowing her pride, but when she gets passed over for a promotion, the time comes for her to stand up for herself to provide for her family,” Naquin says.
Judy joins Violet after her own string of offensive interactions with the boss man. Doralee, wanting to put an end to the unwanted advances, makes it a trio.
Naquin says the storyline portrays girl power and friendship.
“The three girls unite and begin to see that they all have problems and instead of fighting the battles separately, they can face it together,” Naquin said. “It’s very funny, but it has a lot of heart and music that supports that.”
When the girls gather to vent, they fantasize about getting revenge on Hart. Judy wants to shoot him execution style, Doralee wants to rope him and Violet wants to poison him.
A legitimate mix-up the next day sends an unconscious Hart to the hospital, which leads to another set of humorous complications, including spies, bribes and a kidnapping.
“I’m excited that it is a female-driven show,” Webb says. “It deals with female empowerment and equal rights in a time when men and women were not paid the same for identical work.”
With all the mishaps and misunderstandings, several moments of the show lend to laughter.
Musically, Sara Todd leads the large Le Petit cast. The group has learned its dance numbers from award-winning choreographer Wanda Dishman.
“I think they’re doing a great job,” Dishman says. “We’ve changed a few things, but we’re limited on space.”
Other cast members include Edward Olivier, Gretchen Malbrough, Graham Caldarera, Joshua Martin, Billy Gorr, Gayle Walters, Ashlyn Dupre, Kayla Pitre, George Beaudry, Kim Champagne, Teresa Hardin, Phyliss Martin, Brandy Grigsby and Grace Plaisance.
The play runs from July 12-29 at the theater, 7829 Main St., Houma. Tickets cost $15. For more information, visit www.houmalittletheatre.com or call (985) 876-4278.
Cast members of “9 to 5: The Musical” rehearse at Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne. The musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, runs July 12-29 at the Houma playhouse.
