CCHS’ ‘9 to 5’ carries a relevant message from 1980 to 2026
The musical comedy, based on the hit movie, follows three women who attempt to overthrow their domineering, sexist boss.
Beyond the lively music and choreography in Acton-Carlisle High School’s upcoming production of “9 to 5,” the show carries a deep, contemporary message.
The musical comedy, based on the hit 1980 movie, follows three women — Violet Newstead, Judy Bernly, and Doralee Rhodes — working at Consolidated, where they attempt to overthrow their domineering, sexist boss, Franklin Hart.
Originally scheduled to be performed at CCHS in 2020, “9 to 5” — which is set in the late 1970s — is “very timely,” addressing “not just misogyny in the workplace, but a bigger theme of the power of the individual to enact positive change,” says first-year director Evan Kelly.
He says stepping in as “the new guy” has presented a significant challenge. This is the largest cast he has worked with, and “there are a lot of unspoken expectations and processes that are new to me.”
Kelly says he was “quite surprised at the level of student involvement in all aspects of the production.” A student leads almost every department, making it very much “the students’ show.”
Cast insights
Senior JianNan L’Angiocola, playing Bob Enright, concedes that having a new director “is definitely a change” but says Kelly’s care and passion for the production are “more than enough” to make the show a success.
Junior Joanna Stearns, who plays Margaret, says Kelly allows students to present the scene first in their own interpretation before offering direction, giving actors more room for creativity.
A major challenge for the cast has been balancing complex vocals with demanding choreography.
Senior Maria Kielzcewska, an ensemble member, says the rehearsals “have been a lot.” Combining music and movement can be difficult, “but it’s been fun.”
“There’s always just so much to do and so many new things to add,” she says. “There’s a lot going on in this musical.”
Senior Charles Mastromarino, playing Franklin, describes “9 to 5” as, at its core, a “comedic crowd-pleaser” but says the show is “unique in that the struggles of the main characters are very genuine.” He says the chemistry of its three leads “adds a bit of relatability to the show.”
Stearns hopes the audience will connect with those themes, saying she wants them to feel “the emotions [of] workers that have to experience ‘9 to 5’” and recognize “the sexism toward females during that time.”
“9 to 5” features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, with songs such as “Backwoods Barbie” and “One of the Boys.” Kelly calls Parton a “living legend of American music” and says “her positivity comes through in each song.”
Backstage glimpses
Technical director Ned Roos — who oversees crews handling construction, lighting, sound, and props — says the best part “is working with great students who are excited to be part of the show,” calling their enthusiasm “contagious.” Despite this year being “especially busy,” Roos says he is consistently “proud of what [the students] accomplish and how much they learn in just a few months.”
Sophomore Juliet Perkins, the construction manager, described building the set as a “very involved process,” requiring long hours to ensure each component is both functional and ready on time. She feels “attached to each piece,” adding she enjoys “having the chance to add [to] the story told by the actors by providing a setting that helps them convey their tale.”
All the hard work leads up to opening night.
“You see a sudden energy about everyone, and that energy carries through the show,” L’Angiocola says of that moment of truth. “It not only energizes the audience, but us the performers.”
CC Theatre will perform “9 to 5” at the CCHS auditorium at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7; Friday, May 8; and Saturday, May 9, with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Open captioning will be available at all performances, with professional ASL interpretation at the May 8 performance. Buy tickets at cc-theatre.org.
