The 1980 film “9 to 5” starring Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and Dolly Parton is a silly, warm, feminist comedy beloved by generations. For actors Sarah Joyce Hack and Kayce Denise, it’s been a staple throughout their lives.
“‘9 to 5’ was a movie my mother and aunts worshiped,” Denise said. “We watched it a lot when I was growing up.”
Now, both actors have the opportunity to live out their ‘9 to 5’ dreams. The musical version of the film, which hit Broadway in 2009 and features music from Parton, is coming to Out Front Theatre, Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ theater company. The show runs from Oct. 23 – Nov. 8, starring Hack as Doralee (originally played by Parton) and Denise as Violet (originally played by Tomlin).
Hack said that she immediately connected with the character of Doralee.
“The story just speaks to me as a woman who has experienced some of the disrespect that we allude to in the show,” she said.
Doralee, a southern belle in the middle of the big city (or a “Backwoods Barbie,” as she calls herself in one song), is dealing with unwanted sexual advances from her boss, Franklin Hart, and feeling left out of the camaraderie between the other women at work. Little does she know, her coworkers aren’t avoiding her because of her looks, but because they suspect her of having an affair.
“There’s a really devastating moment in the show when she can’t find anyone to eat lunch with,” Hack said. “I know a lot of people can relate to that feeling – being in the cafeteria, and not having anyone to sit by.”
Denise felt a similar connection to Violet, finding that she had a lot in common with the no-nonsense, office veteran. At the start of the show, Violet is waiting for a promotion. She’s eventually passed over for someone whom she trained.
“I really was drawn to Violet,” Denise said. “I wouldn’t call myself a control freak – but she definitely likes to know what’s on the up and up, and she has the skinny on everything, so that she’s able to do what she needs to do.”
Violet, Doralee, and Judy (played by Allie Hill) all have different reasons for their vendetta against Hart, but they all stem from that all too familiar feeling of feeling like an outsider. Hack said she feels that especially now, during a time in this country when so many people feel powerless, “9 to 5” is a good reminder of the little ways people can make a difference.
“I think this is for anyone who has felt small,” Hack said. “It’s just a reminder of how we can take our power back.”
While “9 to 5” is not an explicitly queer show, it promotes themes of love and acceptance that are important within the LGBTQ+ community.
“To celebrate queer voices and to celebrate people who are often pushed aside and forgotten is a wonderful thing that this [theater] company does and this story [does],” Denise said. “I’m just glad that I get to do it with these wonderful ladies.”
Hack and Denise both knew Hill before auditions, but did not know each other. They all read together during one of the callbacks, and both said they felt an immediate connection.
“Allie and I left the room and we looked at each other, and we were like, ‘That felt kind of special, didn’t it?’” Hack said.
Both actors said they love the song “Get Out and Stay Out,” which is Judy’s big, 11 o’clock number. But their favorite moments are when the three women sing together during songs like “Shine Like the Sun” and “I Just Might.”
“There’s nothing like singing alongside singers that I am really inspired by,” Hack said. “It’s truly such a privilege everyday to hang out with them and to work with them.”
Kayce called out the prowess of the entire ensemble as well.
“This music is tough. But you know what’s awesome? We have a dynamic ensemble,” Kayce said. “It’s so awesome to be able to work with such dynamic artists and for everybody to stand on their own and be able to help fill all those spaces.”
