9 to 5
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9 to 5: A West End Musical Revolution
"9 to 5" is a spirited musical comedy that clocked into London’s West End at the Savoy Theatre, opening on February 17, 2019, following previews from January 28, and running until March 2020, when it closed early due to the COVID-19 pandemic after approximately 408 performances. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, it’s based on the 1980 film of the same name, co-written by Resnick and Colin Higgins. Set in a late 1970s office, the show follows Violet, Judy, and Doralee three women who kidnap their chauvinistic boss, Franklin Hart Jr., to overhaul their workplace. After a rocky Broadway debut, its West End incarnation, starring Louise Redknapp and Brian Conley, found its stride, blending Parton’s toe-tapping score with feminist flair, leaving a legacy of empowerment and laughter.
Origins and Development
The musical’s roots lie in the 1980 film, a hit starring Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, born from Resnick’s screenplay about workplace sexism. Parton’s Oscar-nominated title song inspired her to craft a full score, debuting in a 2008 Los Angeles tryout at the Ahmanson Theatre, followed by a Broadway run in 2009 at the Marquis Theatre that closed after 148 performances. Undeterred, the show was retooled trimming excess and sharpening its bite for a 2010 U.S. tour and a 2012 UK tour. Director Jeff Calhoun helmed its West End premiere, with Parton adding a new song, “Something, Something,” to the mix, refining it into a punchy satire of office life that resonated anew in 2019.
The Cast and Creative Team
Louise Redknapp starred as Violet Newstead, stepping in after an injury delayed her debut, with Caroline Sheen opening the role to acclaim. Natalie McQueen played Doralee Rhodes, Amber Davies debuted as Judy Bernly, and Brian Conley brought smarmy charm to Franklin Hart Jr., succeeded by David Hasselhoff from December 2019 to February 2020. Bonnie Langford shone as Roz Keith. Calhoun’s direction, with Lisa Stevens’ choreography and Tom Rogers’ retro designs, captured the era’s vibe, while Parton’s score featuring “Backwoods Barbie” and “Get Out and Stay Out” blended country zest with theatrical punch, orchestrated by Mark Crossland.
West End Reception and Milestones
Critics gave "9 to 5" a warm, if varied, welcome. *The Guardian* praised its “glorious” energy and Parton’s tunes, though some, like *The Stage*, found it “patchy” beside her jukebox peers. Audiences adored the humor and empowerment, with “9 to 5” hitting number one via Boyzone’s cover from the 1998 concept album. Extended twice first to April 2020, then May 23 its 408-show run (estimated from its 13-month span) ended abruptly in March 2020 due to lockdown. Dolly Parton’s curtain-call appearance at the premiere, praising the cast, was a highlight, as was Hasselhoff’s “Hofftastic” stint, adding star power to its final months.
Global Reach and Beyond
Post-West End, "9 to 5" toured the UK again in 2021–2022, with Redknapp reprising Violet, and premiered in Australia in 2022 at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre after pandemic delays. A 2022 U.S. tour launched, echoing the West End’s streamlined vision. The 2019 cast recording, captured live at the Savoy, joined the 2009 Broadway album as fan staples, while its 15 Drama Desk nods from Broadway and four Tony nominations underscore its pedigree. From Los Angeles to London, its journey reflects a resilient evolution, adapting to each stage with grit and grace.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
"9 to 5" stands as a feminist anthem in musical form, its tale of workplace rebellion striking a chord in the #MeToo era. Parton’s score nominated for Grammy, Oscar, and Tony honors marries country roots with theatrical flair, influencing jukebox hits like *Mamma Mia!*. Though its West End run was cut short, its message of solidarity and sass endures, inspiring regional productions worldwide. By 2025, it’s a beloved relic of empowerment, proving three women with a plan and a killer soundtrack can still turn the tables on any old boys’ club.