The cast of 9 to 5 rehearses one of the musical numbers from their upcoming show at the MHMT playhouse. All music within the musical was written by Dolly Parton.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Breaking previous ticket sale records, Medicine Hat Musical Theatre’s upcoming offering, 9 to 5, promises a fresh retelling of the classic 1980 film.
Directed by Travis Boser, who previously directed MHMT’s Mambo Italiano, this will be his first time taking the reins on a musical, seeking to expand his skills.
“I’ve had to learn to share my time a little bit, right? Because with a play, it’s really just me making all the calls and doing all the organizing and setup and when it comes to rehearsal time,” said Boser. “But now I have a musical director and I have a choreographer, and it’s more of a team-based effort, which is really incredible.”
Largely following the plot of the film, 9 to 5 follows Violet, Doralee and Judy, three female office workers and how they, alongside other women in the 1979 workplace, deal with their male colleagues’ attitudes, culminating in kidnapping their bigoted boss.
The story is fundamentally feminist, said Boser, and there will be parts of it that women in the audience will certainly be able to relate to, even as society has improved for gender equality.
With opening night approximately three weeks away, there is a growing excitement in the MHMT playhouse, but largely, the actors feel ready, said Carmelita Currie, who is taking on her first lead role as Violet.
Stepping into the role has been natural for Currie, who said she can find a sense of personal connection with the character as the story has come together during rehearsals alongside her fellow actors.
“This cast has been so much fun. Like, there’s just, there’s no behind the scenes drama; I’ve met some fantastic new people that are kind of new to Medicine Hat or new to the theatre, and they’re just wonderful. So it’s been a joy, a true joy,” said Currie.
The sentiment was echoed by cast member Courtney Warkentin, who is taking part in her first MHMT show after moving to the city last summer. She says has been completely blown away by the experience and by how welcoming and passionate everyone has been as she’s become part of the playhouse family.
“I’m originally from Edmonton. I have a long history with theatre,” said Warkentin, who continued that she had chosen to move to Medicine Hat partially for the strong arts culture. “I’m enthralled with the facility they have here, and the community’s support for theatre here is completely overwhelming.”
“It feels really nice to be part of something like that. It’s a very well oiled machine,” said Warkentin, and while she initially thought that the timeframe to put on a full musical was tight, she feels fully confident they will be ready on April 25.
All three members expressed shock and gratitude for the city’s enthusiasm for the show, as tickets were completely sold out within three hours, breaking the previous record held by last year’s Rock of Ages showing.
“I’m really excited that our community has really embraced our show already, and I think they’re going to be really delighted with it,” said Boser.
“For those of you who have tickets, we’re looking forward to seeing you,” said Currie. “It’s going to be a treat.”
