Originally scheduled to be performed March 26-28, the Cowley College Visual and Performing Arts Department was finally able to bring “9 to 5” The Musical to the Robert Brown Theatre stage Aug. 20-22, according to a press release from the college Monday.
“With the sudden closing of college campuses and businesses around the world just two weeks prior to our opening in March, we were unsure our production would ever be seen,” Theatre Director Nick Albrecht said. “However, with the support of our administration and guidance and consultation of numerous organizations, we were finally able to bring this show to our stage.”
Music and lyrics for “9 to 5” were composed by Dolly Parton and the book which was written by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie.
Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss (Franklin Hart, Jr, played by Britton MacLaughlin).
In a hilarious turn of events, Violet (Sarah Flickinger), Judy (Esmeralda Castillo), and Doralee (Madilynn Sanderholm) live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover.
(Photo Courtesy Cowley College)
Community member Josi Schwartz (Roz Keith) and Arkansas City High School student Matthew Eli (Dwayne) had roles in the musical.
In order to maintain social distancing during the shows, safe distancing between individuals/groups/couples was enforced. Theater seating capacity was modified to 197 seats or 25% capacity in order to accommodate patrons based on social distancing guidelines, while face masks were required in the theater and sanitation stations were available at each entry of the theater.
Cowley College president Dr. Dennis C. Rittle and his wife, Christy, attended the Thursday evening performance.
“The talent on display was in a word, Amazing!” Dr. Rittle said. “Well done to the cast, faculty and staff leadership, and the musicians. They showed we can learn how to share life and the celebratory moments of life in the midst of a pandemic.”
Cast list:
Violet Newstead – Sarah Flickinger
Doralee Rhodes – Madilynn Sanderholm
Judy Bernly – Esmeralda Castillo
Franklin Hart, Jr. – Britton MacLaughlin
Roz Keith – Josi Schwartz
Joe – Hunter Bartholomew
Dwayne – Matthew Eli
Josh – Hunter Halfmann
Missy – Holly Leavitt
Maria – Leanna Martin
Dick – Jacob Giger
Kathy – Chelo Curtis
Margaret – Katreena Odom
Bob Enright – Timmy Remington
Tinsworthy – Ray Keady
Detective – RiQuandrion Mangum
Doctor – Creek Love
Candy Striper – Jennifer Wong
New Employee/Intern – Jessica Goosey
Artistic/Production Team
Director – Nick Albrecht
Music Director – Lindsay Allen
Choreographer – Chelo Curtis
Scenic Designer – Harty Blackert
Technical Director – Jared Shofstall
Costume Designer – Meghann Borum
Lighting Designer – Mason Hilario
Sound Designer – Griffin Rogers
Props Designer – Audrey Jones
Hair and Makeup Designer – Markie Swanson
Stage Manager – Markie Swanson
Dramaturgy/Lobby Display – Markie Swanson
Box Office Manager – Tracy Circle
Assistant Stage Managers – Kaitlynn Tarrant and Audrey Jones
Light Board Operator – Brandon Oleson
Sound Board Operator – Griffin Rogers
QLab operator – Hope Burgar
Backstage Crew – Rebekah Crisp, Reno Ratcliff, and Griffin Snyder
Spotlight Operators – Skyla Dean and Allyson Keezer
Band
Conductor – Dr. Michael Christensen
Keyboard 1 – Aidan Wells
Keyboard 2 – Christopher Dean
Drums – Eric Woods
Percussion – Hayes Cannon
Guitar 1 – Thor Bonner
Guitar 2 – Eric Shumaker
Bass – Dave Kerwood
