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Tumble outta bed and stumble to Cape Fear Regional Theatre — because Dolly Parton’s high-voltage musical comedy is clocking in with sass and serious girl power.
From Thursday through Sept. 28, come experience an “instantly recognizable and energy-filled” season opener with 9 to 5: The Musical.
“At its core, it’s a celebration of friendship and the power of women supporting each other,” Cape Fear Regional Theatre Marketing Director Ashley Nicholl Owen said. “Add to that a powerhouse cast, Dolly Parton’s unforgettable score, and a story that’s as relevant as ever, and you’ve got a show that will leave people smiling long after the curtain comes down.”
The three leading women in 9 to 5: The Musical are Violet Newstead, Doralee Rhodes and Judy Bernly, a hilarious trio who decide to form an alliance to turn workplace frustration into a full-blown revolution against their self-absorbed and sexist boss, Franklin Hart Jr., who is played by Robert Newman.
Newman, best known for his long-running role as Joshua Lewis on the former daytime soap opera Guiding Light, has become a familiar presence on the Cape Fear Regional Theatre stage after making his debut as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks in Annie in 2018. This time he plays Hart, the villain boss who makes the ladies want to spike the coffee pot. And the laughter and shenanigans begin.
Heather Setzler plays Violet Newstead, who has been passed over for promotions and is trying to fit into a male-dominated workplace.
“I love Violet’s sense of humor,” Setzler said. “She always has a funny comeback or a quip. She’s a quick thinker and smart. And despite being passed over for advancements in the workplace, she keeps that sense of humor and continues to lead with kindness.”
And through the musical’s themes of empowerment, friendship and fighting workplace injustice, Setzler said that her character manages to maintain a sense of humor and strength.
“Anyone can relate to these women just wanting to be heard, seen, respected and treated equally,” Setzler said. “It’s extremely powerful to help share that message through this show.”
Setzler, who is based in Wilmington, last performed with Cape Fear Regional Theatre in 2019 as Tanya in Mamma Mia.
Jodi Bluestein, who plays Judy Bernly, a newly divorced woman entering the workforce for the first time, said that she loves that the women in the show learn to lean into their independence and trust themselves.
“Judy is so present and is working so hard to change her life when the foundation beneath it has crumbled,” Bluestein said. “While the circumstances are heightened, at its core, the show focuses on the release of judgement and preconceived notions of people we know nothing about, understanding and listening to each other to deepen connection, which I love and connect with so much.”
Just like in the 1980 movie of the same name that starred Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton, Bluestein said that she loves the way the women talk to each other.
“They listen to each other and lift each other up,” Bluestein said. “With those muscles underneath each of them, they can lean into their independence and trust in themselves as individuals. It feels so triumphant.”
Show director Robert W. Schneider said that the stage production stays true to the original movie.
“The original movie is so iconic and, luckily, the writers of the musical realized ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’ so everything we all love about the movie is there,” Schneider said. “Plus, there are a few new surprises that really enhance our love of these characters which have been in our hearts and minds for over 40 years.”
Schneider, who added he has wanted to direct at Cape Fear Regional Theatre for some time, hopes that this show will allow everyone who sees it to discover the self-courage within themselves to change their lives.
“CFRT has always been on my radar because its national reputation is unbeatable,” he said. “And I hope audiences will walk away feeling emboldened to take control of their life and allow themselves to be open to new opportunities.”
Performances for 9 to 5: The Musical run from Sept. 4 through Sept. 28, with 7:30 p.m. performances Wednesday to Saturday and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 1707 Owen Drive in Fayetteville.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $39. There are also special events throughout the run of the show. On Sept. 4 from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. there will be a Welcome Back Bash for the first preview, featuring complimentary snacks and a signature cocktail — Dolly Style! And on Sept. 5, enjoy a cozy preview night with coffee cocktails, snacks and 9 to 5 energy with their Tumble out of Bed Night also from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. Military Appreciation Night is Sept. 10 and Teacher Appreciation Night is Sept. 12 with 25% off ticket prices.
And in keeping with the celebration of female friendships, Cape Fear Regional Theatre has a “Girl’s Night Out” offer!
“Gather your girlfriends, groups of 10+ receive 20% off tickets PLUS receive a complimentary Dolly-themed bubbly bar to enjoy together before the show,” Owen said.
This is the final season during the “home-during-construction” phase at 1707 Owen Drive, where concrete footings are actively being poured this month.
For more information, visit the Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s website or call the box office at 910-323-4233. If you would like to purchase tickets in person at the theater box office, it is located at the new offsite office at 310 Green St. and is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. During performances, the box office will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, moving to the 1707 Owen Drive theater location at 5:30 p.m.
