Broadway says hello, Dolly!

OK, I know this isn’t local, but I’m still excited about it. And it’s in our state and time zone, so technically it’s local.

Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles recently announced that it will host the world premiere of 9 to 5, the Broadway-bound musical based on the 1980 movie starring Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton.

Here’s the really good news: Dolly has written the music and lyrics for the show — her first-ever musical.

The show opens next fall, Sept. 3 through Oct. 19 at the Ahmanson Theatre.


The book is by Patricia Resnick, co-author of the movie, and Joe Mantello (Wicked) is slated to direct.

The cast includes Allison Janey (The West Wing) as in-charge Violet Newstead (the Tomlin role). Stephanie J. Block (Wicked, The Boy from Oz) will be fumbling office worker Judy Bernly (the Fonda role). And Megan Hilty (Wicked yet again) will be country gal Doralee Rhodes (the Parton role).

“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to write a musical, and now I have the chance to not only make Doralee sing, but to bring all of Patricia’s wonderful characters to life on stage through music,” Parton said in a statement. “I think I’m gonna like it around here.”

For information visit www.centertheatregroup.org or call 213-628-2772.

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