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Antigo Community Theater opens “9 to 5: The Musical” tomorrow evening

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The Antigo Community Theatre will open its fall production of “9 to 5: The Musical” on Friday, November 4th and begin its two-week production run with office intrigue, hilarity, and even a little romance. The show, featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the 1980 hit movie.

Set in the ‘70s, the musical opens up on a typical day at Consolidated Industries. Violet Newstead, played by Darlaen Jansen, is the lead secretary and meets Judy Bernly, portrayed by Peg Benes, on their first day at work together as she is trying to figure out the Xerox copy machine.

Judy has no confidence as she has re-entered the workforce after her husband, Dick (acted by Cavan Kelly), has left her for a younger woman. Judy confides in Violet that she really needs this job as she is now out on her own. Violet takes Judy under her wing to help her around the office. They meet Doralee Rhodes (played by Rebecca Stimac), who is a secretary for Franklin Hart Jr., the company president (portrayed by Billy Roff), in the break room.

Doralee is pretty, curvaceous and has a lot of confidence. Her problem is with Mr. Hart, an arrogant, sexist, and hypocritical boss who is constantly pestering her with unwanted advances. Hart is married to a sweet but naive woman, played by Heather Roff, and Doralee is happily married to her husband Dwayne (portrayed by Dennis Klement), who is fully supportive of her career.

The three gals meet up the next day in the break room and all three have had unsettling run- ins with Mr. Hart. They leave for lunch to blow off some steam about their workplace environment and more importantly their disdain for their boss. Later that evening, they each fantasize about getting revenge and soon come up with a scheme to oust him. From this point on, the story takes lots of humorous bends and turns.

Additional cast members include an office assistant known as “Miss know-it –all” Roz Keith, portrayed by Jodi Louwsama, who is constantly snooping around. To add to the sub-plots a young accountant named Joe, acted by Chad Luerssen, is interested romantically in Violet, who is juggling work and home as a single parent of a teenage son, Josh, acted by Brennon Brown.

The rest of the cast is rounded out by Kelly as the detective, with Bob Lomprey playing the chairman of the board, Tinsworthy, while Wayne Gagnon portrays Bob Enright and the doctor. The rest of the office pool of secretaries includes Leigh Brown as Margret, Lorra Mettko as Kathy, Sara Wurtinger as Maria, Anna Purdun as Molly, and Burgandy Brockman playing the “New Girl”.

The musical is under the artistic direction of Molly Gums, with Hannah Oxley directing the vocals and Carol Schaefer as the show’s accompanist. Elyse Snider rounds out the group of directors, taking charge of the choreography.

Performances will be held at the Volm Theatre (Antigo High School) beginning on Friday, November 4 through Sunday, Nov. 6's matinee performance. The show reopens on Thursday, Nov. 10 through Nov. 12 -  all performance times are 7:30 pm except for the Sunday matinee at 1 pm.

Tickets are available at Neves Floors to Go, Furniture and Mattress Gallery, 710 5th Ave., 715 -623-5203. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and at the door. Due to adult themes, this show is not recommended for children under the age of 13.

This hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the “Rolodex” era is outrageous,  thought-provoking and even offers a little romance.  Dolly Parton’s upbeat and energetic musical score will certainly keep you hoppin' and this is a show is a definite must see.

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