6-9-7 Thursday, September 29, 2016 5 Palace musical takes lively look at working women, social issues By KATIE YOUNG YAMANAKA HSpecial to the Tribune-Herald ollywood comes to Hilo in the Palace Theater’s 15th annual fall production, “9 to 5: The Musical,” set to run Oct. 7-23. Based on the hit 1980 movie “9 to 5” starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, the Broadway version remains a faithful adaptation of the film that addresses issues of social justice, inequity of pay and sexual harassment in one feel-good, fast-paced musical. “These issues, which still exist today, are so much more palatable when they are wrapped up in this upbeat score, lively dance and witty script,” says show director Jeri Gertz. “The audience will leave with a smile on their face and the words to the title song running around in their head.” The story follows three strong female leads and their male boss. Co-workers Violet, Judy and Doralee bond through their mutual frustration with workplace conditions and their obnoxious boss, Franklin Hart Jr. The trio of women concoct a plan to get even. The cast of 21 actors and actresses — including a lawyer, teacher, yoga instructor and others — started rehearsals in August along with a crew of volunteer set designers, prop masters and other behind-the-scenes workers. “It’s one big effort with many moving parts,” says Gertz, noting that show choreographer Michael Misita and musical director Devon Lerma got together before casting or the script even arrived from New York so they could hit the ground running. When it came to casting, Gertz, whose twin passions for theater and women’s advocacy combine in this show, says, “We have such a wealth of talent in Hilo and they all showed up. More people auditioned than we could cast. We also have people See 9-5 Page 9 The cast of “9 to 5: The Musical” rehearses the finale of the show Monday night at the Palace Theater. ON THE COVER: From left, Rachel Edwards as Judy, Stephanie Becher as Doralee and Justine Thompson as Violet perform a song. Photos: HOLLYN JOHNSON/Tribune-Herald
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