Story by Reporter Nina Smith

Rehearsals for AQ theatre’s first production of the Spring 2023 semester, 9 to 5, have officially begun! 

The musical, based on the 1980 movie of the same name, features music and lyrics by American country singer and songwriter Dolly Parton, who just recently celebrated her 77th birthday. The story of 9 to 5 follows the working lives of three women, Violet, Judy, and Doralee, as they battle with their sexist and egotistical boss. Pushed to the breaking point, the three women formulate a plan to run the office themselves, but not quite everything goes as planned. For fans of Dolly Parton or her music, it’s a must-see.

Heading Aquinas’ 9 to 5 cast is Christina Gonzalez as Violet, Gabrielle Lee as Judy, Alexa Wollney as Doralee, and Emily Cipriano as their pompous boss, Franklin Hart. 

Although over a month away, the cast, directors, and crew of 9 to 5 are already hard at work preparing for opening night on February 23rd. After going to class all day, the performers gather for rehearsal to hopefully refine each and every nuance of the musical, down to every note they sing. Though they’re all undoubtedly tired after doing this every night for hours on end, when they greet each other and start to warm up, you can tell that they’re here because they love theatre and really care about putting on a good performance and entertaining an audience. 

All the hard work and long nights will be rewarded when 9 to 5 kicks off the last week of February and the performers feel confident and excited to get out on stage and wow the audience with what will undoubtedly be an incredible performance.

The show runs February 23-26 at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center. Be sure not to miss this incredible production and score your tickets at circletheatre.org or in person at the box office!