Dolly mania: Theatre Albany brings ‘9 to 5’ to the stage

ALBANY – For music fans who maybe haven’t given musical theater a try, Dianne Giddens has two words for you: Dolly Parton.

Giddens, who is the matriarch of Albany’s unofficial/official first family of the theater, said she is excited about bringing “9 to 5” to Theatre Albany over the next two weekends to kick off the 2025-26 season at the theater. The musical features a Dolly fan’s dream: A collection of songs written by the country queen, including the title song that was a huge hit and inspired a successful movie.

“All of the songs were written by Dolly for this musical,” Giddens said of the “9 to 5” numbers. “Most people know the song ‘9 to 5,’ but the other songs in the play were written by Dolly specifically for this production.

“I love this musical because it is about empowering women, and Dolly played a big part in bringing it to life. She even does voice-over that we use in the production.”

Kelly Mullins, Lindsey Stewart and Ivey Bradley play Violet, Judy and Doralee, respectively, the trio of office workers who take on misogynistic boss Franklin Hart, played by Butler Stoudenmire, in a zany plot that adds humor to the singing and choreography. Parton played Doralee in the movie, and Violet and Judy were played by Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, respectively.

Dabney Coleman played Hart in the movie.

“The play is based entirely on the movie, so fans of the film will be very familiar with what’s going on in the play,” Giddens said.

“9 to 5” kicks off Theatre Albany’s 92nd season, and veteran director Giddens, who typically directs the opening production of each new season, will be running her ninth show for the community theater. She also led the theater program at Deerfield-Windsor School starting in 1992. When she retired, her daughter, Stewart, moved seamlessly into the position.

The cast started rehearsals for “9 to 5” the week after the Fourth of July, and Giddens said their hard work has them ready for the six-show run at Theatre Albany.

“We have some talented people who are involved with the theater,” she said. “I guess the hardest thing in casting is finding guys. But we’re fortunate to have some veterans of the theater who typically try out, and we’ve added some new actors in the past few productions to keep things going.”

In addition to Giddens, Gary Unger is musical director for ‘9 to 5,” and Judy Dabbs is the choreographer.

Other actors in the 22-member cast include Elijah Villanueva, who plays Joe; Creslyn Burnett (Roz and a member of the ensemble); David Ward (Dick/Tinsworthy/Detective/Ensemble); Keon Perkins (Bob Enright/Ensemble); Adalei Stevens (Maria/Ensemble); Erick Yesbick (Dwayne/Ensemble); Hannah Sims (Josh/Ensemble); Kat Blaise (Margaret/Ensemble); Anita Lime-Sims (Doctor/Ensemble); Janna Henderson (New Employee/Ensemble); April Spivey (Kathy/Ensemble); Demetria Wright (Candy Striper/Ensemble); Megan Moshell (Cop/Ensemble); and Melissa Griffin (Missy Hart/Ensemble).

Other members of the ensemble includeTracy Lee, Jessica Albano, Macy Seymour and Katie Yesbick.

Productions of “9 to 5” will be held this weekend and next, with Friday and Saturday shows scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees starting at 2:30 p.m.