MSU Department of Theatre Presents ‘9 to 5’ Musical Focused on Female Empowerment

MSU Department of Theatre Presents ‘9 to 5’ Musical Focused on Female Empowerment

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre is pleased to present “9 to 5, The Musical,” based on the 1980 movie with Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, about three hilarious female office workers who concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, and bigoted boss. Performances are scheduled for Feb. 15-23, 2025, at the Fairchild Theatre in the MSU Auditorium Building.

Set in the late 1970s, this musical comedy tackles gender equality and human rights topics such as equal pay and respect in the workplace, gender discrimination, and sexual harassment. The Department of Theatre production is directed by Assistant Professor Adam Yankowy with musical direction by Academic Specialist Dave Wendelberger.

A woman with hands raised talking to a class full of students and behind her is a screen with the words "second-wave feminism" on it.
Ellen McCallum, Professor of English and Film Studies, shares insight into the history of “9 to 5, The Musical,” with a focus on second-wave feminism, with the student cast.

“At its core, ‘9 to 5’ is about fighting for gender equality in the workplace — a theme that’s still so relevant today,” Yankowy said. “Through laughter and real challenges, we see how these women face unfair systems and discrimination but find strength in each other to rise above it all.”

As part of the work that went into this production, Yankowy invited Ellen McCallum, Professor of English and Film Studies in the Department of English, to a rehearsal to share insight into the musical’s history, with a focus on second-wave feminism. This opportunity gave the student cast information helpful for character development.

“At its core, ‘9 to 5’ is about fighting for gender equality in the workplace — a theme that’s still so relevant today.”

Adam Yankowy, Assistant Professor and Director

The “9 to 5” musical includes 23 cast members, 11 musicians, 19 musical numbers with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, and a large production team of choreographers, designers, and technical directors.

“Dolly Parton’s unforgettable songs bring so much life to the story,” Yankowy said. “From the upbeat anthem ‘9 to 5’ to the heartfelt ‘Backwoods Barbie,’ her music captures the energy and emotion of the era while shining a light on the characters’ dreams and struggles.”

A man wearing a black cap and red shirt sits at a keyboard, marking notes in sheet music on a stand. In the background, a group of students, some holding scripts, sit in chairs.
A close-up of a script book for 9 to 5: The Musical, with the title in bold, colorful letters on the cover. Below the title, text credits Dolly Parton for music and lyrics and Patricia Resnick for the book. The script rests on a black music stand, with a blurred background.
A group of students sits in a rehearsal room. They are seated behind black music stands, with some resting their hands on their laps or holding scripts.
Musical Director Dave Wendelberger (left photo), “9 to 5, The Musical” vocal book (center photo), student cast rehearsing (right photo).

One of the three dance choreographers, Jenna Hemmes, who is a senior Marketing major with minors in Dance, Arts and Cultural Management, and Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is excited to see her skills applied to the musical theatre space.

“Everyone should obviously come see ‘9 to 5’ because there’s a little bit of tap in it, and I think that’s something that most people don’t often get to see,” Hemmes said.

“We hope this production inspires you, makes you laugh, and reminds you of the importance of standing up for what you believe in.”

Adam Yankowy, Assistant Professor and Director

The Department of Theatre has partnered with the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, a nonprofit organization that offers support services to women in the Lansing area. During each performance, donations of soaps, shampoo and conditioner, feminine hygiene products, clothing, jewelry, etc., will be collected for the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing’s Career Boutique. Those who donate will be entered into a raffle for a pair of 2025-2026 Department of Theatre season tickets. The staff and women who use the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing also are invited to the final dress rehearsal for “9 to 5, The Musical.”

“We believe in the power of theatre to make a difference, and we hope this show can help bring attention to and support [the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing’s] important work,” Yankowy said. “We hope this production inspires you, makes you laugh, and reminds you of the importance of standing up for what you believe in.”

A group of performers rehearses a tap dance routine in a studio with black curtains in the background.
Two performers stand close together, reviewing sheet music on a black music stand.
 Jenna Hemmes (far right in both photos), one of the three dance choreographers for the “9 to 5: The Musical” production, practices choreography with cast members.

MSU students can receive one free ticket to see “9 to 5, The Musical.” This free ticket offer is only available with a valid MSU student ID at the Wharton Center Ticket Office window.

Performance Dates and Times:

  • Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. 
  • Sunday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m.  
  • Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m.

Tickets:

Tickets for “9 to 5, The Musical” can be purchased online through the Wharton Center website, in person at the Wharton Center Ticket Office, or by calling (517) 432-2000 or 1-800-WHARTON.

Pricing:

  • General Admission: $25
  • Seniors and Faculty: $20
  • Students: $10 or free with MSU student ID at the Wharton Center Ticket Office

For information on other MSU Department of Theatre productions, visit https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/category/dept-of-theatre

Categories: Production / Student / Student / Theatre / Visual Arts, Arts Administration, and Performing Arts