We asked the cast and crew of '9 to 5' about their show: the process of bringing it to life, the challenges they faced, and what they're most excited for the audience to see.
What made you want to put on '9 to 5' this year?
"9 to 5 remains a powerful reflection of workplace realities; hilarious, empowering, and still shockingly relevant! Plus, with Dolly Parton's iconic music and a story full of heart and humor, it’s the perfect blend of fun and fight-for-what’s-right energy. Who doesn’t love a feel-good revolution with killer songs?" Ellie Jackson, Co-Director
How do you think the story is topical even today, in 2025? What do you want audiences to leave thinking about?
"9 to 5’s story remains incredibly relevant in 2025. While the show is set in the late 1970s, its themes- workplace inequality, gender discrimination, and the fight for respect are still present in many workplaces today. The struggle for equal pay, work-life balance, and fair treatment continues, making this story just as powerful now as it was when it first premiered. I want audiences to leave thinking about how much progress has been made, but also how much further we have to go. While 9 to 5 delivers its message with humor and heart, it also serves as a reminder that change happens when people stand together, challenge the status quo, and demand better. I hope audiences feel inspired to advocate for fairness and equality in their own lives, whether in the workplace or beyond." EJ, Co-Director
What is a moment in the show that you're most proud of?
"I absolutely LOVE the opening of our show! I feel it sets the perfect tone for the next two hours, establishing the energy and spirit that will carry through the performance. It’s bright, vibrant, and brings the entire cast together, creating an electrifying start that immediately draws the audience in!" EJ, Co-Director
How did you go about making this production unique, but still stay true to the original?
"I personally didn’t watch any other version of the show online while directing because I wanted all the ideas to come straight from my own vision. This approach allowed me to create a production that feels fresh and unique while still honoring the heart of the original. I focused on making the show bright, colorful, and inclusive, ensuring that every performer had a moment to shine. The use of multi-rolling added another creative layer, allowing actors to showcase their versatility and making the storytelling even more dynamic. By leaning into bold visuals, high-energy choreography, and strong character-driven performances, I aimed to put a distinctive stamp on the show while keeping its empowering message at the core." EJ, Co-Director
I imagine you worked much more than 9 to 5 on this show some days! How do you feel now that you can finally see the show after all your hard work?
"From someone with little input on the show itself, but instead focused on marketing, scheduling, and budgeting, watching the show is such an incredible experience - it’s so heart-warming to see the outcome of the creative team’s work. I think we’ve successfully built a lot of hype over the past few months, which means the audience’s energy is amazingly charged!" Hattie Sumners, Assistant Producer
Describe your character in three words.
"Nerdy, quirky, and feral!" Richeldis Brosnan (Judy)
"Bigoted, sexist, egotistical" Levi Jones (Franklin Hart Jr.)
How similar are you to them?
"I relate to her so much, I definitely have her reserved nature and inexperience, but as my family can contest I also have her crazy side too. I’ve also had some pretty similar experiences to her as well which definitely makes the acting easier." RB (Judy)
"I don’t think I could be any further from Franklin Hart Jr.. Hart is the type of guy who will only listen to the ideas of other men and doesn’t believe in the idea of consent. He thinks that he is entitled to anything he wants, no matter how it affects those around him. Also, he contributes heavily to the idea of gender norms and socioeconomic divide. As someone who works in politics and is in the MSc Public Policy program, I constantly work against these type of people to implement change that is equitable to everyone, not just the rich, straight, white man." LJ (Franklin Hart Jr.)
What song do you think would be top of your character's Spotify Wrapped?
"Pre-show Judy it would definitely be Uptown Girl by Billy Joel, however, post-show Judy would definitely be listening to IDGAF by Dua Lipa." RB (Judy)
"Hart would definitely have something like “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen at the top of his Spotify wrapped. However, Hart wouldn’t understand that the song is supposed to be a critique of American life because he just likes singing the title line." LJ (Franklin Hart Jr.)
What have you found most challenging about bringing your character to life?
"Oh definitely the crippling imposter syndrome, I’m so grateful for being cast and she’s such an iconic character, I just hope I’ve done her justice." RB (Judy)
"The hardest part has been having to yell and say such rude and awful things to some of the most talented and sweetest people I have met. This show has brought me so many friends who I’m so thankful for, but during the show I treat all of them horribly. Having to belittle my friends on stage has definitely posed the biggest challenge, but we have all done so well at separating our our offstage friendships from our onstage hatred so well!" LJ (Franklin Hart Jr.)
The music in this show is obviously iconic - what is your favourite song to play? And is it different from your favourite song to listen to?
"My favourite song to play is the dream sequence with "Dance of Death", "Cowgirl's Revenge" and "Potion Notion". I play a lot of fun sound effects through my keyboard like punches, whips, a horse neighing and bubbles! But my favourite song to listen to is "Heart to Hart" (as well as the classic "9 to 5", and "Change It" is one of my favourites too!)" Amelia Brennan (Band - Percussion)
The band is always such an important part of a show - if you could play in any musical, what would it be?
"Tricky to pick just one! It would have to come down to Les Miserables, West Side Story or Matilda!" AB (Band - Percussion)
If you could switch places with a cast or band member, who would it be and why?
"I think Roz would be a super fun character to play, but no one can do a better job than Hannah Whelan!" AB (Band - Percussion)
How did you go about bringing the fashion of the '80s to life in 2025?
"A lot of creating the overall look is narrowing down the defining points of that generation in silhouette and colour scheme; for the 80s we put that down as shoulder pads, long skirts, big hair and bright neons!" Millie Franchi, Co-Costume Designer
Which costume are you most proud of?
"I love the main trio together: Violet, Doralee, and Judy especially at the end of the show. Close second would be Violet’s ‘One of the Boys’ costume (I won't ruin the surprise, you’ll have to come see the show to see them!!)" MF, Co-Costume Designer
If you had to wear one of the costumes in the show for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
"Honestly the ‘Cowgirls Revenge’ costumes are so fun I’d be happy with any of them!!" MF, Co-Costume Designer
9 to 5: The Musical is on at Pleasance Theatre until Saturday 15th February, and you can read our review of opening night here.
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