STARKVILLE — The cast and crew of “9 to 5 – The Musical” worked overtime and that hard work paid off. Starkville Community Theatre’s third production since the pandemic shutdown in 2020 was officially a sellout.
Featuring a large cast of veterans and newcomers, and directed by Paula Mabry, the musical written by Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick is based on the 1980 hit comedy “9 to 5.”
Mabry and many of the cast have not just been waiting two years for live theater to return, they have been waiting two years for this very production.
The musical’s cast was in rehearsals when pandemic shutdown occurred. When the theater opened back up in November 2021, Mabry got back to work. She retained her four leads and some of the other characters, but had additional auditions to recast roles of people no longer able to perform in the show. That need for replacements led to several completely new theater volunteers.
“The cast and crew that you see on stage now is a harmonious combination of the old and new,” Mabry said. “I am so pleased with the chemistry and overall production.
“With the help of so many talented people behind the scenes who did their specific jobs to make this musical come to fruition and the marvelous abilities of our cast, we are proud to bring Dolly Parton’s musical to the stage, finally,” she said. “Every person is key to the success of this show. The people involved are students, regular job holders, and retirees. Community theater brings people together from all walks.”
Darein C. Spann, principal of the Technology, Engineering, and Construction Academic House at Starkville High School, made his SCT debut in the roles of “Dick,” “Security Guard” and “Intern.” He said the show is highly entertaining and believes community theater is important.
“Community theater brings a community together,” he said. “It is eclectic.”
SCT veteran and current president Paul Ruff is also happy to have The Playhouse on Main back opening and selling out.
“SCT provides opportunities for joy,” he said. “Whether you’re on the stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience, community theater gives a brief escape from the pressures of real life. And, if you allow it, it can warm your heart in a way that nothing else can.”
Newcomer Montari Johnson, who plays “Joe,” enjoyed his first experience with SCT. The recent Mississippi State University graduate plans to pursue a graduate degree in vocal performance, but for now he said he is excited to share “9 to 5 – The Musical” with the audience.
“This is a fantastic and hilarious show, and the whole cast is amazing,” Johnson said.
Veteran performer Terry McDowell, who plays Mrs. Hart, agrees the show is funny, but believes it also has an important message.
“This show, while it IS very funny and entertaining, with many great songs (Dolly Parton is the BEST songwriter) it covers a serious subject,” she said. “Women have always had to fight for equality in the workplace: equal pay, equal promotion, and protection from sexual harassment, etc. Dolly’s lyrics are very straightforward regarding this. While this musical’s setting takes place in the years when there was a huge women’s rights movement happening, unfortunately, we are still fighting these same battles today.”
McDowell added that SCT is important because it brings people together.
“Community theater is important because it brings different people together, to work together, to create magic,” she said. “That magic often moves your soul, both for the audience and the performers. If it doesn’t move your soul, then something is bad wrong!”
There are opportunities to get involved with Starkville Community Theater year-round, whether you’re interested in being on stage, helping with props, sewing costumes, or hanging up posters. SCT Executive Director Gabe Smith would love to talk about how one can get involved and there is also good information on the theater’s Facebook page and website.
But for now, SCT is just happy to have the doors open and another hit on stage.
“After waiting for two years to produce ‘9 to 5 – The Musical,’ and for SCT to have a full season of shows, our members are overjoyed to be back on stage,” Mabry said.
The full cast features Madeline Golden, Andrea Turnbow, Cindy Ruff, and Paul Ruff with Bodie Dodson, Louie Gallo, Allyn Hackman, Peyton Jackson, Jacob King, Montari Johnson, Warren Nybo, Brittany Page, and Darein C. Spann. Starkville Community Theatre’s next production is the Mississippi debut of “The Legend of Georgia McBride,” by Matthew Lopez. Directed by Pattye Archer, the comedy runs May 17-21.
