News

A-State Theatre debuts Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5: The Musical’ 

Photo: Contributed/Arkansas State University


Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Arkansas State University’s Department of Theatre will begin the Spring semester with a production of “9 to 5: The Musical,” featuring music by Dolly Parton.

Performances will be held in the Fowler Center’s Drama Theatre and are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 26 – 28 and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 28 and March 1. 

Based on the hit 1980 film, “9 to 5: The Musical” features an original score by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, co-writer of the original screenplay. This high-energy, heartwarming show follows three women who take charge of their workplace and their lives by turning the tables on their misogynistic boss. Packed with powerhouse vocals, contagious laughter and irresistible charm, this musical is a celebration of friendship and female empowerment.

The cast includes Bee Golleher of Benton, as Doralee Rhodes; Alaina Hogan of Howell, Mich., as Judy Bernly; Libby Wills of Russellville, as Violet; Rayleigh Pratt of Clarksville, as Roz Newstead; Isaiah Wallis of Harrison, as Franklin Hart Jr.; Emarian Tate of Osceola, as Joe; Zander Bishop of Trumann, as Dwayne Rhodes; Allyson Hyatt of Harrison, as Kathy; Lynzee Owens of Clarksville, as Margaret; Tessa Yielding of Sherwood, as Maria Delgado; Kelly Clarke of Johannesburg, South Africa, as Missy Hart; Judith Bossi of Batesville, as Detective/New Employee; Adam Arizaga of Russellville, as Dick/Tinsworthy; Zach Gravestock of Beebe, as Josh Newstead and Zane Brewer of Conway, as Bob Enright.

The artistic team includes, Dallas Martinez, artistic producing director of the Fowler Center, director; Brianna Larson, associate professor of theatre, choreographer ; Dr Kristen Sullivan, instructor, music director; Jeff McLaughlin, associate professor of theatre, scenic designer; Eli Webb, guest artist, lighting designer; Claire Abernathy, professor of theatre, costume designer; Jarrett Robinett, instructor, sound designer; Jace Hahns of Jonesboro, assistant costume designer; Ella Scott of Jonesboro, assistant choreographer, and DayDay Robinson, assistant professor of theatre, intimacy choreographer.

The production crew includes Skylar Hilderbrand of Jonesboro, stage manager; Celeste Harmon of Beebe and Bee Hansen of Benton, assistant stage managers; Zane Brewer, properties manager; Westley Thompson of Mammoth Spring, properties artisan; Cristal Martinez of Batesville, light board operator; Olivia Steward of Batesville, A1-mix engineer; Olin Hahn of Jonesboro, A2-deck engineer; Ella Scott, spotlight operator; Stephen Embers of Newport, E.P. Pirtle, Heidi Holt of Caraway and Donovan Walters of Harrison, backstage crew; Gigi Davis of Little Rock, Milo Smith of Memphis, Kat McDaniel of Paragould, wardrobe crew; and RJ Moad of Leachville, house manager.

Content Warnings: Workplace themes involving sexism, harassment, and revenge fantasies, depicts an implied assault/violence (comedic tone, no explicit depiction), strong language, some sexual innuendo and adult situations. Suggested Rating: PG-13/ Teen+.

Tickets may be purchased 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the A-State Box Office in First

National Bank Arena or by calling (870) 972-2781. Tickets may also be purchased online. Prices range from $15 – 20.  A-State students can get tickets for free at the box office with a student ID.

Tickets for the Thursday, Feb. 26, performance are free to high school students with their school ID. It is recommended that patrons reserve seats in advance.

This Week in Jonesboro

Recent Headlines

2 days ago in Entertainment

Oscars preview: Producers tease ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ and ‘Sinners’ celebrations

The producers behind the 98th Academy Awards have set out to celebrate not just the hit song "Golden" from "KPop Demon Hunters", but the cultural phenomenon of the film itself. That logic is why the only other nominated song that will get a moment on the broadcast is "I Lied to You," from "Sinners," a blockbuster hit and the most-nominated film of all time.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Q&A: Shakira says she feels like she’s just getting started. A Rock Hall nomination begs to differ

Shakira is on her way to drop her son off at flag football practice. It's an ordinary experience for a mother who, in the not-so-recent past, has been at the center of some pretty extraordinary circumstances.

2 days ago in Lifestyle

Do you really need a water filter? Here’s what experts say

U.S. tap water is generally safe and high quality. But that doesn't mean every glass tastes the same, or that every building's plumbing delivers identical water to the faucet.

3 days ago in Entertainment

‘Dancing with the Stars’ pro Mark Ballas leaps back to Broadway in ‘Chicago’

Mark Ballas is returning to Broadway in "Chicago" and the "Dancing with the Stars" pro will be reuniting with an old friend. Ballas, playing slippery lawyer Billy Flynn starting April 6, will share the stage with his Roxie, Whitney Leavitt, the "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" star who was his dancing partner on "Dancing with the Stars" last year.

4 days ago in Entertainment

Multiple gunshots fired near Rihanna’s LA home and a woman is taken into custody

Los Angeles police took a woman into custody after she fired gunshots outside Rihanna 's gated home, according to authorities and news reports on Monday.