Pour yourself a cup of ambition! McCallum High School’s Fine Arts Academy is bringing “9 to 5: The Musical” to the stage, complete with Dolly Parton’s unforgettable music, plenty of laughs, and a story about friendship, empowerment, and finding your voice.
We Are Austin’s Trevor Scott welcomed McCallum students and leading ladies Finley, Juliana, and Sunday for a preview of the production and a look behind the scenes at bringing this musical comedy to life.
Watch the full video above to meet the cast and get a preview of McCallum’s “9 to 5.”
We Are Austin’s Trevor Scott welcomed McCallum students and leading ladies Finley, Juliana, and Sunday for a preview of the production and a look behind the scenes at bringing this musical comedy to life.
Clocking in for “9 to 5”
Based on the hit 1980 film, “9 to 5: The Musical” follows three women navigating life in the workplace and dealing with a difficult boss.
Along the way, an unlikely friendship develops as the women find their confidence and discover what can happen when they work together.
“We like to say it’s a tribute to the women of the past, present, and future,” said Finley. “We want to show women that they are powerful and they can do all that they want to do.”
The musical features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, including its instantly recognizable title song, “9 to 5.”
McCallum Fine Arts Academy clocks in for “9 to 5: The Musical!”
Three students take on the leading roles
Finley, Juliana and Sunday are stepping into the show’s three central roles, each bringing a different personality and perspective to the story.
Sunday takes on the role of Doralee Rhodes, made famous by Dolly herself in the film. “She’s kind of overlooked in the workplace when we first get to meet her,” said Sunday, “But she stays true to herself and never changes, and I think that’s something I really look up to.”
Finley tackles the character of Violet Newstead. “Her journey is kind of figuring out that she works hard and she deserves the things that she wants, despite other people saying that she doesn’t,” said Finley.
Juliana works hard to put her stamp on Judy Berly. “Throughout the show, she is trying to find worthiness and acceptance from everyone. By the end, she realizes that she can be worthy without a man and finds her independence through that.”
Preparing for the production has meant weeks of rehearsals combining acting, singing and choreography as the students work alongside their fellow performers and the Fine Arts Academy team to bring the world of the show to the stage.
McCallum Fine Arts Academy clocks in for “9 to 5: The Musical!”
Celebrating Dolly Parton’s legacy
Parton’s presence extends far beyond the musical’s famous score.
The themes of women supporting one another, standing up for themselves, and recognizing their own worth remain at the heart of “9 to 5,” giving the McCallum students plenty to explore as performers.
The production also gives Austin audiences another opportunity to experience the work of young local artists through McCallum High School’s Fine Arts Academy.
“We’re still keeping our theme of this being a tribute to the women of the past, present, and future, but I think now we’re also trying to make the show more of a tribute to her,” shared Sunday.
This production will also strike out on its own with a bit of a twist on one of the show-stopping numbers. “We’re keeping Dolly’s legacy alive and keeping things very similar, but we’re adding our own little changes, so we are going to have our lovely female ensemble dance, paying tribute to female athletes.”
McCallum Fine Arts Academy clocks in for “9 to 5: The Musical!”
Look for McCallum Fine Arts Academy online for performance dates, showtimes, and ticket information for “9 to 5: The Musical.”
McCallum Fine Arts Academy clocks in for “9 to 5: The Musical!”