Full casting has been confirmed for the upcoming UK tour of Dolly Parton’s feelgood show 9 to 5 The Musical which is now due to launch at Southampton Mayflower on 31 August 2021.
As previously announced, Louise Redknapp (Cabaret UK tour) will step back into the role of Violet Newstead after starring in the hit West End production. The pop singer turned musical theatre star will be joined by Vivian Panka making her professional UK stage debut as Judy Bernly with Stephanie Chandos (Hairspray, We Will Rock You) stepping into the role of Doralee Rhodes after covering the role in the West End production. Sean Needham (Kinky Boots, Wicked) will return to the role of Franklin Hart Jr. after previously playing the ‘boss from hell’ in the West End and on tour. Julia J. Nagle (American in Paris, Aspects of Love) will play Roz Keith with Russell Dickson (Evita) as Joe.
The cast is completed by returning ensemble cast members Alexander Bartles, Sierra Brewerton, Demmileigh Foster, Ross Lee Fowkes, Jon Reynolds, Kirsty Anne Shaw, Ricardo Spriggs, Grace Walker, Emily Woodford and Richard Taylor Woods. They are joined by Rebekah Bryant, Emily Bull, Sonny Grieveson, Callum Henderson, Joshua Lear, Sarah-Marie Maxwell and Clayton Rosa.
Following the Southampton performances, the tour will visit Bradford, Edinburgh, Canterbury, Aylesbury, Llandudno, Bristol, Wimbledon, Nottingham, Liverpool, Sunderland, Birmingham, Inverness, Plymouth, Glasgow, Woking and Manchester. Redknapp will appear at selected venues.
Commenting on the news that the production which had its successful London run at the Savoy Theatre cut short by the Coronavirus shutdown will now tour the UK, Country Music Queen Parton said: “I am so proud that 9 to 5 will be coming back soon to theatres all across the UK. Louise has been wonderful since she led the show in the West End and we’re all so excited to give audiences the best night out after we have all waited so long!”
Presented by Parton and based on the 1980s 20th Century Fox movie in which Parton starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, the lively musical comedy features music and lyrics by Parton, and a book by Patricia Resnick based on the screenplay by Resnick and the director of the original film, Colin Higgins.
The production is directed by Jeff Calhoun, the director of the 2010/2011 US tour of the musical and features choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe.
Originally produced on Broadway in 2009 the comic battle of the sexes earned 15 Drama Desk Award nominations and four Tony Award nominations. The original Broadway cast recording featuring stars including Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty and Marc Kudisch is planned for re-release via Dolly Records/Sony Music.
Angela Thomas
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