By Matthew Blank
31 Mar 2008

Dolly Parton
photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging

Dolly Parton and cast members of her upcoming 9 to 5: The Musical showed up at L.A.'s House of Blues March 28 for a preview presentation of the Broadway-bound work.

Also in attendance at the event were book writer Patricia Resnick, Center Theatre Group artistic director Michael Ritchie and producer Robert Greenblatt.

Adapted from the popular movie of the same name, the musical will make its world premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, with previews beginning September 3. It opens officially on September 20 and will run through October 19.

Parton has written new music and lyrics for the stage version, and the book was penned by Resnick, who co-authored the film. Two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello directs with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler.

Allison Janney stars as Violet Newstead, the super-efficient office manager. Also among the principals are Stephanie J. Block as frazzled divorcee Judy Bernly, Megan Hilty as executive secretary Doralee Rhodes and Marc Kudisch as their boss Franklin Hart Jr.

According to press notes, the story follows "a series of farcical events [in which] the women inadvertently remove Hart from the workplace and keep him otherwise engaged. Taking advantage of his absence, they begin to give their workplace a dream makeover and soon rise to the top of the company that once looked at them as second-class citizens."

9 to 5: The Musical is aiming for a spring 2009 Broadway bow. Tickets for the Los Angeles run are currently available only through the Ahmanson Theatre's 2008-2009 subscription season. For more information visit www.centertheatregroup.org.

Here is a look at the event:

From left: Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty, Marc Kudisch and Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton and Allison Janney		Producer Robert Greenblatt and Dolly Parton

Marc Kudisch and Dolly Parton		Stephanie J. Block and Dolly Parton

From left: Marc Kudisch, Megan Hilty, Stephanie J. Block, Dolly Parton and Allison Janney

Megan Hilty and Dolly Parton		Dolly Parton

All photos by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging