STAGE TUBE: Special Message from Dolly Parton

9 to 5: The Musical arrives at The 5th Avenue Theatre, just in time to brighten the final grey days of spring. And the writer of the musical's Tony-award nominated score, Dolly Parton, is bringing fans a special message. Clikc below to hear what Dolly has to say!

Based on the wildly popular 1980s film of the same name, this outrageously funny Broadway delight features the original movie's blockbuster title tune, plus more than a dozen new songs by the queen of country music, iconic songwriter, movie star, and entrepreneur -- Dolly Parton! Parton's Tony Award-nominated score mixes her signature witty lyrics with infectious Broadway, pop and country-inspired melodies. 9 to 5: The Musical plays for three weeks only -- April 5th through the 24th -- at the historic 5th Avenue Theatre in downtown Seattle.

Set in the male-dominated, me-first world of 1980s office politics, 9 To 5: The Musical is a light-hearted story of friendship and revenge. It's all about teaming up, getting even, and taking care of business as three overworked and harassed secretaries turn the tables on their chauvinistic-sexist-egotistical-lying-hypocritical-bigot of a boss with side-splitting and satisfying results.

American Idol finalist, Diana DeGarmo plays Doralee Rhodes, the role made famous by the Dolly Parton in the original film. DeGarmo gained overnight fame at age 16 as a runner-up on the third season of television's number one series, American Idol. Her Broadway credits include Hair, Hairspray and Brooklyn: The Musical. She also starred in the off-Broadway musical The Toxic Avenger. DeGarmo was born in Birmingham, AL, raised in Snellville, GA, and currently resides in Nashville,TN where she continues to write and perform.

One of Seattle's favorite performers, Dee Hoty returns for her fourth appearance on the 5th Avenue stage. Hoty plays Violet, the role originally played by Lily Tomlin in the film. 5th Avenue audiences will no doubt remember Hoty for her star turn in the title role of Mame, as well as for her performances in 5th Avenue productions of Lone Star Love and Anything Goes. On Broadway, Hoty has earned three Tony Award nominations for her starring roles in Footloose, The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public and The Will Rogers Follies. Hoty also starred on Broadway and then toured eight major US cities as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! In addition to her work on Broadway and her tours, Hoty has been involved in many pre-Broadway workshop productions. Hoty has also made numerous television and film appearances including stints on Law & Order and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

The role of Judy, originally played by Jane Fonda in the film, is played by Mamie Parris whose Broadway credits include the Tony Award-nominated revival of Ragtime, 110 In the Shade and the Tony Award-winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone. Always in demand, Parris turned the road pink in the first national tour of Legally Blond: The Musical, sang with the Radio City Rockettes, toured with country music icon Kenny Rogers, and participated in over a dozen readings with students of the BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.

Joseph Mahowald plays Franklin Hart, Jr., the egomaniacal (and soon to get his come-uppance) office boss, a role originated by Dabney Coleman in the film. Seattle audiences will recall that Mahowald starred in the 5th Avenue production of 1776 as the exuberant Richard Henry Lee. On Broadway, Mahowald has appeared in the title roles of Jekyll & Hyde, as well as performing Javert in Les Misérables and Chiefton O'Flaherty in The Pirate Queen. In addition to playing off-Broadway and touring nationally, he has sung as a soloist with several major symphonies around the world and has also appeared on all of the New York City soaps. His extensive regional credits include being a founding member of the artistic company for the Tennessee Repertory and appearing in leading roles in numerous Tennessee Rep productions.

More Articles by This Author...