It’s time to clock in and find out who the real boss is in SOTA’s first musical of their touring season, “9 to 5: The Musical,” which officially opens at The Carnegie Friday night. Based on the film with the same name, “9 to 5: The Musical” shines a light on the workplace and poor cultural practices within them until three women decide enough is enough.

With music and lyrics written by Dolly Parton and script by Patricia Resnick, the musical provides comedic moments and upbeat songs that you know and love, all while delivering a powerful message. The show tells the story of three leading ladies, Judy, Doralee and Violet, along with their egotistical boss, Franklin Hart.

Although the show is just opening now, preparations to get the show ready on stage began as early as last semester when the show was cast. Ellie Bennet, a fifth-year BFA musical theatre major and Violet in the show, discussed how the cast has been able to take their time understanding the characters and the show. In addition, much thought about the 1980 film went into the preparations for creating this show. 

“We’ve had a lot of time to start. We had most of the summer to think about the characters, to watch the movie and get familiar with the literature of it,” Bennett said. “[Corrie Danieley], our director, told us from the very beginning that she wanted it to be very reminiscent of the movie because that’s what people are pretty nostalgic for.” 

Bennet said that although it is based on a 1980s movie, topics discussed in the show, like workplace discrimination and sexism, are still very timely even today. 

“I have found that much of the show is relevant today. It really still is a modern show, and the issues that it tackles are still very modern,” Bennett said. 

Annie Jennings, senior musical theatre major and Doralee Rhodes in the show, mentioned how the rehearsal process has also come with lots of creative freedom, which can be challenging at times but also allows for creativity. 

“Our director is really great about giving us a lot of freedom, which is hard at times. It really forces you to be creative and think really hard, but also I feel it makes the character more organic,” Jennings said. 

And part of the rehearsal process for Jennings was understanding her character and the nuances that came along with it.

“I feel like the character I play is so much more than what meets the eye,” Jennings said. “Doralee is very much objectified, and she’s a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace.”

Jathan Briscoe, second-year BFA musical theatre major and Franklin Hart in the show, hopes audience members take away a better understanding of women’s rights.

“Women do have a voice and power. I hope [audiences] take away these really good messages from these three amazing women,” Briscoe said. “I hope they also are able to laugh and live out the Dolly Parton fantasy.” 

“9 to 5: The Musical” runs from Friday, Nov. 3 to Saturday, Nov. 11 at The Carnegie in Covington, Kentucky. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit SOTA’s website.