9 to 5: The Musical took the stage for the annual Chamber Night at the Plaza on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Local critic Ben Sharp penned a review just in time for Opening Night:

Dolly would be proud. The Plaza Theatre’s 9 to 5: The Musical is an epic realization of the 80s-era film starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The film catapulted Parton to superstardom and in 2009 spawned a Broadway musical stage adaptation — on which the Plaza show is based.

Set to run from Aug. 1 through Aug. 17, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, 9 to 5: The Musical is a tour de force of singing, dancing, and top-level acting. Presented by The Brandon & Rachel Cutrer Family, the production follows the escapades of three working women who collaborate against their misogynistic boss.

The three primary actresses for The Plaza Theatre’s “9 to 5: The Musical” are, from left, Hailey Thorn (as Doralee Rhodes), Jami Hughes (as Violet Newstead) and Jenna Crowell (as Judy Bernly). “9 to 5: The Musical” is being performed at the Plaza Theatre August 1st – 17th, 2025. For tickets visit www.whartonplazatheatre.org or call 979-282-2226. Photos by Sharon Joines.

Veteran director Rachel Helmick does a remarkable job of putting all the pieces together to form a memorable show. She says the show was particularly meaningful to her personally.

“Every once in a while, a person comes across a story that has it all: heroes worth rooting for, a villain you love to hate, characters with relatable struggles, a little bit of romance, a lot of silliness, and a powerful message,” Helmick said. “For me, this show ticks all of those boxes, and gets bonus points for its incredible music and nostalgic setting.”

Setting for the musical is ingenious, with movable furniture, hanging set pieces and the clever use of projectors. At one pivotal point in the production, a video of (spoiler alert!) the three main actresses kidnapping their boss is projected on the backdrop, creating a hilarious, reality-TV style moment that brought roars of applause from the audience.

The set is made possible through a collaboration between The Plaza Theatre and various entities who donated vintage items and volunteered guest performances. These include The Theatre Victoria, Kelly Kainer, Mystan Gurkin, Adraylle Watson, Mike Henderson, District Judge Randy Clapp and The 21st Century Technology Museum.

Joanna Hickey (as Margaret) turns to her alcohol flask in order to get through her workday. “9 to 5: The Musical” is being performed at the Plaza Theatre August 1st – 17th, 2025. For tickets visit www.whartonplazatheatre.org or call 979-282-2226. Photos by Sharon Joines.

Debra Lemson serves as musical director and shoulders an immense burden as the show features a staggering amount of musical numbers. Act 1 has 12 songs alone, and it’s difficult to consider how much time and energy went into making each one so memorable. Favorites include the iconic “9 to 5,” “Around Here,” “Heart to Hart,” “Shine Like the Sun” and the hilarious trio of interrelated songs: “Dance of Death,” “Cowgirl’s Revenge” and “Potion Notion.” Act 2 was far shorter than Act 1 and comprised of only seven songs. The best of the set were “5 to 9,” and “Change It,” which featured complex choreography.

Sheila Taylor, Brooke Brune, Sarah Wilkins and Rachel Helmick work together on the choreography and knock it out of the park. The musical numbers are quite complicated, with numerous moving parts all brought together. Although there are a few moments when the stage seemed overcrowded, it was an impressive spectacle to behold.

Costumes were on point, hearkening back to 80s-era business casual, and costumer Shelby Adamson deserves a ton of credit for getting it right. The costumes for Doralee Rhodes (played by Hailey Thorn) are particularly unforgettable, though the way Thorn wears the costumes may have something to do with the overall effect.

Guest performer Adraylle Watson, center, discusses changes to the company with, from left, Reagan Wrench (Franklin Hart, Jr.), Jami Hughes (Violet Newstead), Jenna Crowell (Judy Bernly) and Haily Thorn (Doralee Rhodes). “9 to 5: The Musical” is being performed at the Plaza Theatre August 1st – 17th, 2025. For tickets visit www.whartonplazatheatre.org or call 979-282-2226. Photos by Sharon Joines.

Speaking of Thorn, she is simply sensational. A newcomer to the Plaza Theatre, she tackles the role played by Dolly Parton in the film. Those are big shoes to fill, unquestionably, yet Thorn does an admirable job of doing just that. With a commanding stage presence, solid vocal range and powerful line delivery — not to mention striking good looks — she absolutely rivals Parton’s original portrayal. Again, Dolly would be proud. And perhaps a little jealous, too.

Jenna Crowell plays the character of Judy Bernly, the one Jane Fonda played in the movie, and absolutely shines. From knock-you-out-of-your-seat vocals to well-timed line delivery, Crowell takes command of the stage every time she sets foot on it. Her ability to generate genuine angst (due to her character’s worthless, cheating husband) is extraordinary, and the audience’s reaction to her more emotive scenes is evidence enough that her portrayal was universally appreciated.

Rounding out the central three characters is Plaza legend Jami Hughes, who plays Violet Newstead, the role played by Lily Tomlin in the movie. Hughes, as always, is a marvel to behold, giving her all in every scene and leaving no stone unturned in her quest to present a believable, impassioned character. It’s impossible to not feel a shiver of excitement every time Hughes appears on stage.

Reagan Wrench (as Franklin Hart Jr.) looks over a document while Jami Hughes (as Violet Newstead) and Jenna Crowell (as Judy Bernly) look on. “9 to 5: The Musical” is being performed at the Plaza Theatre August 1st – 17th, 2025. For tickets visit www.whartonplazatheatre.org or call 979-282-2226. Photos by Sharon Joines.

Plaza icon Reagan Wrench is equally impressive as Franklin Hart Jr., the bigoted, sexist boss who was played by Dabney Coleman in the film. Over the years I have remained transfixed by Wrench’s performances, his stage acumen rivaling that of a Broadway notable. No matter what role he tackles, Wrench is always a delight to watch, and his performance in 9 to 5 is no exception. The scenes in Act 2 where he hangs from the rafters in a harness were especially spectacular.

Lauren Machelle, one of my all-time favorite Plaza actresses to ever grace the stage, is tantalizing as Roz Keith, Wrench’s personal assistant. She is the quintessential secretary — nosy, disloyal to her co-workers and always on the prowl for ways to elevate her own career. Machelle expresses those characteristics to perfection, taking her role to its very limits. She is one of the most natural performers I have ever seen, and her vocals on “Heart to Hart” and the hilarious “5 to 9” were the best of the night.

Others notables include Seth Thayne as Joe, Aidan Meek as Dwayne, and Danté Hancock (filling in for Beau Brdecka) as Josh. All three have sharpened their skills as members of the Wharton County Junior College Drama Department, and they make powerful contributions to the production. Rounding out the cast are Janice McDonald as Missy, Darin Mielke as Dick, Beth Ornelas as Kathy, Joanna Hickey as Margaret, John Hodges as Bob Enright, and ensemble members Quinn Wrench, Merrily Bieltz, Alanna Huggins, Becky Thayne, Gena Herrera, Wil Harborth, Shelby Adamson and Brenna Hodges.

Production credits include Ryan Martin as assistant director; Kay Gilley as stage manager; Livvy Meza as technical crew, projection operator and props; Roxy Gilley on microphones; Rachel Helmick on set design; Burke Wilkins on set construction; Leanna Shimek as sound board operator; Kenneth Socha on lighting design and lighting board operator; Dante Hancock on props; Janice McDonald on hair and makeup; Jami Hughes on box office/house management, Quinn Wrench on concessions management, Russell Kacer on communications and Sharon Joines on photography.

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ABOUT BEN SHARP: Benjamin Sharp is the Director of Marketing, Communications, and Advancement for Wharton County Junior College. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and lives in Wharton with his wife, Kristen, and their three kids, Madalyn, Andrew and Matthew.