Working “9 to 5”

Dolly Parton's hit musical brings showstopping performances to UC Irvine with a message of pay equity

Irvine, Calif., Sept. 16, 2024 — UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts Department of Drama presents 9 to 5: The Musical as its 2024 fall production. This adaptation of the classic 1980 film features music and lyrics by the legendary Dolly Parton and a story by the original screenwriter Patricia Resnick. Performances will run from November 21-24, 2024, at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. The show is set to be directed and choreographed by Professor Myrona DeLaney, head of music theatre, with music direction by Sain Leyva, M.F.A. ’25.

“9 to 5: The Musical is an important story for our time,” said DeLaney. “Often the contemporary workplace is stuck in the past, asking its employees to conform to norms from years ago, a time when gender-driven dress codes were enforced and women were paid less than half what a man would make in the same position. 9 to 5: The Musical demonstrates how standing up to power, striving together for change and acting as a positive force in the workplace can bring about change for all.”

The musical follows three female coworkers — Violet, Judy, and Doralee — who take on their chauvinistic boss, Franklin Hart Jr., to improve their workplace. Fed up, the trio devises a plan to take control of the office and create an equitable and respectful work environment. With its nostalgic score and themes of workplace equality, empowerment and solidarity, 9 to 5 is a must-see production that resonates with all audiences.

“I hope this smart and compelling piece of music theatre serves as a reminder of and a tribute to all the women who persevered and pioneered workplace opportunities for women,” said DeLaney. “May this joy-filled story be a wake-up call to all people to continue courageously in the fight for equality in the workplace — and beyond.”

For more information about 9 to 5: The Musical and the fall season of performances, visit the Department of Drama website: drama.arts.uci.edu.

Performances and Ticket Information

Evenings: November 21, 22, 3 at 8 p.m.
Matinees: November 23, 24 at 2 p.m. 
General Admission $25/ Senior Age 62+ $22/ UCI Faculty, Alumni, Staff, Emeriti and Retirees: $22/ Arts Packages (3+ events): $21/ Groups 10+ $20/ UCI Students & Children under 17: $10. Box office (949) 824-2787 or arts.uci.edu/tickets.
The UC Irvine Department of Drama production team will host a TalkBack with the cast & crew after the Sunday, November 24 matinee performance.

About the Claire Trevor School of the Arts: As UC Irvine’s creative engine, the Claire Trevor School of the Arts has proven itself to be a national leader in training future generations of artists and scholars who go on to inspire audiences in theaters, galleries, and concert halls — as well as in entertainment and technology-related venues throughout the world. CTSA combines artistic training with a top-ranked liberal arts education. It is home to the departments of art, dance, drama, and music, offering 15 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and two minors. CTSA is currently ranked No. 1 in affordable fine arts, drama/theater, and music degrees by the College Affordability Guide. Courses include extensive studio, workshop and performance experiences; theoretical and historical studies; and arts and technology practices. CTSA’s nationally ranked programs begin with training but culminate in original invention. The distinguished, international faculty work across a wide variety of art forms and forge interdisciplinary partnerships with others across the campus. For more information, visit arts.uci.edu.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation, and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224-degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit uci.edu.