On March 21, the Neumann Players debuted their most recent work: 9 to 5. A bright, funny musical, ‘9 to 5’ tells the stories of three coworkers: Violet, Judy, and Doralee, navigating their way through a man’s world, and in this case, office.
9 to 5 Summary
Based on the 1980 movie of the same title, 9 to 5 features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, as well as several video cameos of the legend herself.
11 Neumann students and 2 alumni participated as actors in the production, which took almost three months to prepare!
Freshman psychology major Marina Powell stars as Violet Newstead, a strong businesswoman who is fed up with the misogynistic workplace behavior.
Junior psychology major and Neumann Players President, Evelyn Doran, plays Judy Bernly, a nervous new hire who has never worked in an office before.
Freshman criminal justice major Brenna Dougherty-Vandergeest portrays Doralee Rhodes, an attractive young married woman who subject to her boss, Franklin Hart Jr.’s, (played by sophomore Drew Tisdel) sexual comments.
While navigating a hostile, sexist work environment run by their bigoted, egotistical boss, the trio of women create a bond and, in the process, each grow confident in their womanhood.
With no shortage of hilariously suggestive song and dance numbers, 9 to 5 is a musical that is perfectly suitable for college audiences. Crowd reactions fed into the Players’ spectacular opening night performance, which made it seem like it was just as enjoyable to be in the show as it was to watch it.
During the first of four showings, the Players delivered a brilliant and entertaining performance. Attention to detail, excellent comedic timing, and powerful vocals were all key to the strong performance by the Players on opening night.
The show lasts just over two hours, with a brief 10-minute intermission in between the acts. Act I is lengthier than Act II, featuring 12 energetic songs. The second act features 6 songs.
What audiences are saying about 9 to 5
“I think I laughed out loud between twelve and fifteen times.” – Dr. Philip Pegan, Philosophy Professor
“The highlight, as always for me, is seeing the students in a different light. I’m always reminded there’s far more to each of them than meets my eye in the classroom. Seeing them on stage is a “mini-transfiguration” moment –grace and glory filled.” – Dr. Joseph Glass, Communications Professor
What’s next for the Neumann Players?
Next semester, the Players will produce a fall play. In the meantime, follow along on social media!
Instagram: @theneumannplayers
TikTok: @the. neumann.players
