9 To 5 Is Back In Business!

9 TO 5, Dolly Parton’s West End musical, is back in business in 2022. The Australian premiere will open in February at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney with tickets on sale from 25 October.

Inspired by the hit film, the musical tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy, three enterprising workmates pushed to the edge by their mean-spirited boss Franklin Hart Jnr. Resorting to wit, comradery and cunning, they dream up a no holds barred scheme to kidnap and turn the tables on their controlling supervisor in the most hilariously defiant of ways. The only question is, will the feisty trio manage to change the office culture to reach their full potential - or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?

With a score by Dolly Parton and a book by the movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick, 9 TO 5 is the quintessential feel-good show for the times. Full of mischief, laughter and affection, it’s gold carat fun!

“I am beyond excited that we can finally bring this show to Australia,” said Dolly Parton. “The response to 9 TO 5 from around the world has been incredible. The overwhelmingly positive fan reaction to this universal story tickles every rhinestone on my body! I can't wait for more people throughout Australia to have a good ole singalong, and the time of their life.”

Producers John Frost for Crossroads Live, Suzanne Jones and Ambassador Theatre Group Productions are thrilled that 9 TO 5 will finally have its Australian Premiere in Sydney. “When Covid hit last year, we were two weeks from starting rehearsals. But now 9 TO 5 is back in business, and we  are so excited to have confirmed our theatre, set the dates, and we’re now assembling our cast,” they said. “After the last 18 months, Australia is ready to laugh, and will love this upbeat, fun and inspirational production that is full of Dolly Parton’s fantastic music including the iconic title song.” 

The Australian premiere, secured exclusively for Sydney by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, will be a major drawcard for visitors to NSW.

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said securing the Australian premiere of 9 TO 5 was a coup for Sydney and would give the state’s visitor economy a welcome boost by creating jobs and attracting visitors to the Harbour City after the ongoing challenges of COVID-19.   

“The NSW visitor economy stands to benefit significantly from hosting Dolly Parton’s 9 TO 5 and we look forward to welcoming visitors to Sydney to see this upbeat, high-energy production come to life and bring some rhinestone sparkle to our stages,” Mr Ayres said. “The NSW Government is focused on investing in world-class events to deliver on our goal of becoming the premier visitor economy in the Asia Pacific, and securing this production for Sydney will bring welcome positivity as we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic.”

The Australian Government is supporting 9 TO 5 through its $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, a program that is providing financial assistance to arts and entertainment companies affected by COVID-19.