by Tessa Cooper ’26, Arts Editor for The Polygon

In early March, Poly’s Upper School will debut an iconic adaptation of the hit 1980’s movie starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, with their production of 9 to 5: The Musical. With a career spanning 60 years and selling over 100 million records, country legend Dolly Parton wrote the music and lyrics for the musical that continues to electrify audiences worldwide.

About the Show

The story follows Violet, Judy, and Doralee—an overworked manager, a scorned wife, and an objectified secretary—who work under the thumb of their sexist and oppressive boss, Franklin Hart Jr. Tired of his mistreatment, the three women fantasize over seeking revenge against him in a series of musical dream sequences. After a turn of events, they find themselves gaining more control in the office. The show’s collection of upbeat country dance and singing numbers, endearing scenes of kinship among women, and strong messages of women empowerment is brought to life by the cast and crew of people behind the scenes, under the direction of Performing Arts faculty Mariko Watt, and assistant director Sadie Schoenberger ‘25.

Watt’s decision to select the show for the spring 2025 Upper School production  depended on how she envisioned students would be able to embody the distinct characters of the show. She knew that 9-5 had both a strong ensemble cast and a stand-out group of female leads. Additionally, she loved the script’s display of women empowerment and their strong stance against the status quo; she wanted to encourage people to think about the musical’s central messages, especially now. Each production has its own unique challenge, Watt explains, such as casting. “For the first time in many, many years,” Watt said, “there will be a chorus of people who don’t act or dance, but are on stage [exclusively] to sing,” which she imagines will uplift the show’s musicality. One message she would like the audience members to take away from 9 to 5 is to believe in yourself and your self-worth. “People often underestimate themselves,” she says. “This show is about celebrating who you are.”

The Dance Performances

Accompanying the inspiring message and catchy songs are the amazing dance numbers choreographed by Performing Arts faculty Sam Turner with Mia Pineda ‘25 and Nicolette Avdeychik ‘27. Turner’s process had a unique challenge this year as 9 to 5: The Musical has already had its Broadway debut. While he strives to honor its original material, he also wanted to incorporate “artistic interpretation where the music inspires something fresh or nuanced.” Due to some students having more experience than others, Turner’s goal was to “ensure every student looks confident and is visually featured.” For his inspiration, Turner drew from many sources such as the 9-5 movie, the Broadway production, and other national touring versions of the musical.

To stay true to the time period, he’s worked to “keep the movement authentic to [the] era while incorporating deconstructed elements, [adding] a new perspective,” Turner said. “Balancing period-accurate choreography with stylistic nuances allows the show to feel both true to its roots and engaging for today’s audience.” Choreography is a key to storytelling because the “singing naturally leads into movement” and “each element must work together to create a seamless theatrical experience.”

Big Hair and More

Another aspect of creating the world of 9 to 5 is the costume design, thanks to our costume designer Kim Griffin. During her process, she had to adjust her plans in light of the bigger cast. Griffin was inspired by the original film and research into the time period which had a distinct look. Not only did Griffin want to convey how women dressed in the office and highlight individual personalities, but also “other sexist and misogynistic ideas” the female characters are fighting against. The audiences can expect the costumes to fit the late 1970s office trends including Dolly Parton’s famously big hair.

Lively Cast Embody Theme

One of the female stars, Violet, will be played by Ryan Geisler ‘25 (along with Drew Waldman ‘25 and Izzy Gerling ‘25 as the other two in the leading trio). Violet is a serious businesswoman and secretary who is deserving of a promotion, but her boss, Mr. Hart (played by Jasper Whitely ‘25), refuses to give her those opportunities. Geisler describes her experience being a lead this year as “an opportunity to challenge [herself] with 200 lines and so many songs and dances to learn.” One hurdle for her has been “finding the nuance of the character within the script and having to analyze all the lines to create a full person.”

Drew Waldman ‘25 takes on Dolly Parton’s role as the vivacious Doralee Rhodes and Izzy Gerling ‘25 rounds out the dynamic triad as newly-divorced Judy Bernley, a novice office worker. Geisler says bonding with the cast and the moments shared as a community are what makes the musical so special.

Filled with humor and catchy songs, including the title song “9 to 5” which earned Parton an Oscar-nod and became an anthem for women’s empowerment, there is no doubt this show will make the audience laugh, cry, and have the music stuck in their head for the rest of the night.

There are three opportunities to catch Poly’s Upper School Musical, 9 to 5, so come support our talented cast and crew and get a ticket for you and your friends and family!

Reserve Your Tickets

Families are asked to register to attend our Upper School Musical, 9-5, on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8  at 7:00 PM and Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 PM in the Richard Perry Theatre.