Pictures: Roy Tan
The stars and creative team involved in the London production of 9 to 5 The Musical have paid tribute to the show following the announcement that the Savoy Theatre run has been ended by the coronavirus shutdown.
With this week’s announcement of the cancellation of all West End performances until 31 May 2020, the production which was due to end its Savoy Theatre run on 23 May will now not reopen.
Announcing the decision, executive producer Adam Speers said: “On behalf of all the producers, we are so proud of the London cast and crew who have achieved so much. Co-writer Patricia Resnick, director Jeff Calhoun and the team at ATG Productions worked with Dolly [Parton] and I to create a show so full of humour, energy and of course great songs! It filled the audiences with joy, at a time we all really needed it and will do so again. Theatre is all about bringing people together and we are very excited to share the joy of 9 to 5 around the globe in 2021 and beyond.”
Presented by Country Music legend Dolly Parton and based on the 1980s movie in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, the show is directed by Jeff Calhoun, the director of the 2010/2011 US tour of the musical
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.
Among those commenting on their involvement in the show, Louise Redknapp said:
I can’t express how much I have loved being part of 9 to 5. From the entire cast, to the all the teams backstage at the theatre and most of all the fantastic audience that came and cheered along time and time again. Violet Newstead will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s now time to officially clock off.
Fellow Violet Newstead actress, Caroline Sheen said: “9 to 5 was such an unexpected treat to be a part of. I joined a cast of strangers and they became some of my dearest friends, mainly thanks to the ethos of the producers, the sense of family and the joy of being in such a fun and exhilarating show. Just sublime. An honour and a thrill to have been a part of it.”
Amber Davies, the production’s Judy Bernly, said: “This show changed my life. It was an honour to work with Dolly and it’s been a dream to make so many friends and with work with incredible people. I am so proud and happy 9 to 5 was the show that brought me to the West End.”
Fellow Judy, Chelsea Halfpenny said: “The show has meant SO much to me. It has given me confidence and belief in myself, as it challenged me more than I ever thought it would. And the best part about it was that I met some of the nicest people who will be friends for life.”
Natalie McQueen (Doralee Rhodes) said: “This journey has been one of a kind. To be a part of an original cast and to experience the wonderful things we got to do, made me feel incredibly lucky. I’m going to miss DD Doralee very much.”
Bonnie Langford (Roz Keith) commented: “It was fabulous to create Roz in 9 to 5 the Musical. To sing Dolly Parton’s music and hear the laughter and joy from the audiences at the Savoy Theatre night after night was a total privilege. I’m certain that the magic of live theatre will return soon and we can join together to share the fun again more than ever. Until then, we’ll just have to listen to the live recording and dance and sing upside down at home!”
Brian Conley (Franklin Hart Jr) added: “This has been one of the happiest shows I’ve ever worked in on and off stage. I can honestly say that the audience have given us a standing ovation every night of the week. It gives them everything they want. A great story, great songs, written by the Queen of country music and packed with comedy and love. One of my proudest moments was getting the chance to meet Dolly Parton not once, not twice, but three times.”
Fellow ‘boss from hell’, David Hasselhoff said: “What a great ride, I tumbled outta bed and stumbled to the kitchen! Poured myself a cup of ambition! 9 to 5 – Great fun! Great cast!”
Book writer Resnick commented: “Watching Londoners take 9 to 5 into their hearts over the past year has been one of the most prized joys of my life. I look forward to a time when we’ve come through the greatest challenge of the 21st century and can once again laugh, sing and be together in a theatre, one of the most incredible communal experiences known to the human race. Dolly and I can’t wait for you all to be able to join the 9 to 5 family again soon.”
The show’s director Calhoun concluded: “The success of 9 to 5 in the West End has been a definite highlight of my career. Watching sold out audiences at the Savoy displaying such enthusiasm for our show will stay in my heart for a long time. There are few things as sacred as the relationship between an audience and a cast and I can’t wait to experience that bond again after these trying times. A huge thank you to everyone involved both on stage and backstage and to all the employees of the Savoy Theatre and the patrons who have filled the theatre over the past year.”
The hit touring production was due to be back on the road for the second leg of its national tour next month. News about dates and venues will be announced in due course. An Australian tour originally planned to launch this month will now hit the road in 2021 and there are similar plans for South Africa. Discussions are also ongoing for tours in Canada and Asia.
The West End cast recording of Dolly Parton’s hit show 9 to 5 The Musical is now available to stream and download on all streaming platforms. Recorded live at London’s Savoy Theatre the recording features stars Caroline Sheen, Amber Davies, Natalie McQueen, Bonnie Langford and Brian Conley.
Angela Thomas
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