If you read the title and now cannot get the lyrics of Dolly Parton’s song ‘9 to 5’ out of your head… then know you are not the only one. The song was initially created for the 20th Century Fox feature film of the same name, released to cinemas across the world from 1980. In the 2000s, Patricia Resnick adapted the screenplay into a musical which saw its Broadway debut in 2009. The musical has since had tours in the United States and United Kingdom, most recently at the Savoy Theatre in West End in 2019, where its initial limited-time run has been extended time and time again. After more than a decade after first debuting, John Frost, Suzanne Jones and Ambassador Theatre Group Productions will be holding a major Australian tour from next month.
While the lead cast of Caroline O’Connor, Marina Prior, Samantha Dodemaide and Erin Clare have been known for some time now, the producers today confirmed that Australian TV and Theatre icon Eddie Perfect will be performing as the egotistical boss Franklin Hart Jnr. Mr Perfect most recently wrote music and lyrics for the Broadway premiere of Beetlejuice last year and the 2018 broadway debut of King Kong.
We’re thrilled that Eddie has accepted our challenge to return to Australia to play this wonderfully self-centred, chauvinist character after living in New York for a few years. As well as being a fantastic comic and composer, Eddie is a much-loved musical theatre performer, and will be fantastic in 9 TO 5 alongside Caroline, Marina, Samantha, Erin and the wonderful ensemble.
The Producers of 9 to 5 the Musical
I’m beyond excited to return to the Australian stage in Dolly Parton’s hilarious 9 TO 5 The Musical. Having spent the last two years in New York City, the chance to return home and share a stage with my theatrical heroes Caroline O’Connor and Marina Prior (not to mention the sensational Erin Clare and Samantha Dodemaide) was just too good to pass up. 9 TO 5 is a powerhouse comedy for four strong female leads that couldn’t come at a better time. The future is female, and I’m just thrilled to tag along for the ride.
Eddie Perfect – 9 to 5 the Musical Australia’s Franklin Hart Jnr.
This announcement comes off the back of the musical’s ensemble cast being announced. Joining the lead quintet on stage will be Ana Maria Belo, Amy Berrisford, Zoe Coppinger, Mia Dabkowski-Chandler, Josh Gates, Ben Gillespie, Emma Hawthorne, Matthew Jenson, Jay Johns, Ethan Jones, Ariana Mazzeo, Joe Meldrum, Jordanna Morandin, Josh Mulheran, Tom New, Matthew Prime, Melissa Russo and Glaston Toft.
9 to 5 the Musical will commence at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 19 April 2020, with a Melbourne season set to commence at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 25 July 2020. At the moment only Sydney and Melbourne seasons have been confirmed, although additional legs in other states have not been ruled out.
