The “9 to 5: The Musical” production, presented by the Department of Theatre and running through Feb. 23 at the Fairchild Theatre, is a collaborative showcase of the efforts of many different students and faculty members. The overall production includes 23 cast members, 11 musicians, and a large production team of choreographers, designers, and technical directors.
“The process is definitely collaborative amongst all the designers,” said El Stucker, MFA in Design student and Lead Costume Designer for the production. “That’s the best part about designing for theater, and theater in general, we say it’s one of the most collaborative things in the world that you can work on. My costumes don’t get seen on stage if there’s no lighting.”
While the Department of Theatre covers all aspects of theater, offering courses in acting, musical theater, costume design, stage management, and more, students also can become involved in all areas of its productions with faculty serving as teachers and mentors.
Karen Kangas-Preston, Senior Academic Specialist in the Department of Theatre, is the mentor for the “9 to 5: The Musical” costume designers. She has been with the Department of Theatre for 25 years and has mentored many students coming through the program.
“I am with the students, really from day one, as they are working on the production process. So, from reading the script, talking about ideas, the process for theater productions is a series of meetings with the director and the rest of the production team,” Kangas-Preston said. “One of the things in the Department of Theatre that we pride ourselves on is a strong mentorship with our design students. I want to make sure they have a designated time every week with me to talk about the next steps, and that looks a little different for each student.”
Stucker, who has a B.S. in Theatre from South Dakota State University, was drawn to MSU for its costume design program.
“At Michigan State University, theatrical design has great capabilities moving forward to the future,” Stucker said, “and holding that space for those students who have great talent, immense talent, who bring these pieces to life on stage, are not only our actors and our directors but also our designers.”
Katherin “Kat” Poon, who has a double major in Theatre Design and Psychology, is the Assistant Costume Designer and Hair and Makeup Designer for the “9 to 5: The Musical” production. She did her research for this production looking through imagery and the movie, which gave her inspiration to assist with the costumes.
“We really got to play with and diverge and create our own stamp on it because of the fact that it is a staged musical and not a filmed movie,” Poon said, “We got to play with a lot of brighter colors, especially in Act Two.”
While the Department of Theatre is working to make a difference in the lives of its students, it also believes in the power of theatre to make a difference in the lives of its community and 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 “9 to 5: The Musical” 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.
“I hope people want to support the community after the show,” Poon said.
The remaining performance dates and times for “9 to 5: The Musical” are:
- 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.
- General Admission: $25
- Seniors (60+): $20
- MSU Faculty and Staff: $20
- MSU 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
By Maggie Carstensen for MSU Today
