Hale Centre Theatre: “9 to 5”

Hale Centre Theatre (HCT), Utah’s Premiere Family Theatre, will present the fresh-from-Broadway musical comedy “9 to 5” now through Sept. 29.
In this full musical remake of the iconic 1980 movie starring Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin, three working women live out their fantasy of getting even with, and successfully overthrowing, their company’s “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss.
The local production is the 10th in a long line of local company, regional, and national premieres at HCT.

“This show has so much heart,” said Director John Sweeney. “‘9 to 5′ is a timeless story, because these women are all people we can identify with in some way – the single mom trying to raise a family and get a promotion, a recent divorcee who has experienced a breach in trust and a young woman trying to not simply be judged by her beauty but admired for her brain.”
The production offers more than 25 different set locations in the first act alone. In order to transport the audience to and from so many locations in little time, HCT installed a special track system designed to move multiple set pieces in and out quickly.

“9 to 5” features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and is based on a book by Patrick Resnick. The original Broadway production opened on April 30, 2009, and was nominated for 15 Drama Desk Awards, the most received by a production in a single year. On Broadway, the show earned four Tony Award nominations, including best original score. Memorable songs include Dolly Parton’s hit “9 to 5.”

HCT’s production stars Sharon Kenison and Bonnie Whitlock as Violet Newstead (the Lily Tomlin character), Angie Winegar and Madeline Weinberger as Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton’s on-screen role), Adrien Swenson and Angela Jeffries as Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda’s character), and Ryan Poole and David Glaittli as the strict, overly-tight, lying boss, Franklin M. Hart Jr.

The show features choreography by Jennifer Hill Barlow; music direction by Kelly DeHaan; costume design by Suzanne Carling; technical direction and scenic design by Kacey Udy; lighting design by Brian Healy; sound design by Dan Morgan; production assistance by Tyson Leavitt; and props by Michelle Jensen.

Performances are Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with matinées each Saturday at 12:30 and 4 p.m. Admission prices start at $24 for adults and $15 for children ages 5-11. Tickets may be purchased online at www.halecentretheatre.org, via telephone at 801-984-9000 or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office, 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah.

In conjunction with the production, HCT is honoring the Make-A-Wish Foundation as part of its “HCT Applauds” program to spotlight other non-profit organizations making a difference in the community. For 27 years, Make-A-Wish Utah has been bringing hope, strength and joy to the lives of Utah children with life-threatening medical conditions. The Utah Make-A-Wish Foundation will be highlighted in the theatre program and given a VIP night at the theatre to applaud their good works for Utah’s community.

Season tickets are on sale now for the HCT’s 2013 season. The lineup, which features the regional premiere of the timeless “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and the return of “Ragtime,” will open on New Year’s Eve (2012) with the comedy “The 39 Steps” and conclude with HCT’s 29th annual production of “A Christmas Carol” in December 2013.
HCT’s schedule includes the following array of musicals and comedies:

“The 39 Steps” — Dec. 31, 2012 – Feb. 2, 2013
Launching the 2013 season is the romantic comedy and winner of two Tony Awards, “The 39 Steps.” Adapted from the Alfred Hitchcock classic, this romantic mystery comedy begins when Richard Hannay finds a strange woman dead in his house. Four dizzying actors play multiple roles that take them through the country and the city and from the train to a Scottish Inn. Emotions rise and fall as this production brings loathing and romance.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” — Regional Company Premiere Feb. 15 – April 13, 2013
(rights pending)
A regional company premiere, this classic musical begins when a racing car’s career comes to an end with a damaging crash during a Grand Prix race. The car ends up in an old garage where it is to be sold and melted down to liquid ore. Two young children intercede and beg their father to purchase the car, and the magical adventures begin.

“No Time for Sergeants” — April 23 – May 25, 2013
Back by popular demand, “No Time for Sergeants” is a 1956 Broadway hit by Ira Levin that follows a man as he is drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. The military will never be the same after William Stockdale completely unravels the army and ruins his sergeant’s career.

“Ragtime” — June 5 – July 27, 2013
This life-changing story of the blooming of America is the recipient of three Tony Awards and is a five-time Drama Desk Award winner. The musical, “Ragtime,” tells the story of three groups in America: upper-class Caucasians, African-Americans and Eastern European immigrants. Memories of Ellis Island, Houdini and Henry Ford are woven into a poignant patchwork of the separation of the classes.

“Tarzan” — Aug. 9 – Sept. 28, 2013
Disney’s “Tarzan,” featuring music by Phil Collins, will come to life in this recently honed telling of the story of an orphan jungle boy who is raised by a nurturing family of apes. Then, surprised by a stranger who looks like him, he uncovers a world that was once his.

“Brigadoon” — Oct. 9 – Nov. 30, 2013
A Tony Award-winner, “Brigadoon” begins when a spell is cast and the enchanted Scottish village of Brigadoon awakens for only one day every one hundred years. Tommy, a jaded American, happens upon it and will find out if love can bloom in one day.

“A Christmas Carol” — Dec. 9 – Dec. 23, 2013
In HCT’s nationally acclaimed Christmas tradition, adapted by Richard Wilkins and Barlow Bradford, Marley’s Ghost reminds the stingy Ebenezer Scrooge that “mankind should be his business.” Dickens’ carol of redemption seeks to reclaim Scrooge’s heart. Audiences travel back in time as Tiny Tim once again teaches Ebenezer Scrooge about compassion, giving and love. HCT’s critically acclaimed holiday gift adapted by Wilkins and Bradford gives full burnish to Charles Dickens’ beloved tale.