About the work
9 to 5 is a musical with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, premiered on Broadway in 2008/2009. It is based on the 1980 film hit of the same name, in which Parton herself starred.
Plot
Three office workers—the experienced Violet, the naive Doralee, and the newly divorced Judy—suffer under their sexist, tyrannical, and self-satisfied boss Franklin Hart. In a turbulent revenge fantasy that becomes reality, they finally overpower him, lock him up, and secretly take over running the company. Under their leadership the firm flourishes with family-friendly reforms. An exuberant, feminist-tinged comedy about empowerment in the workplace.
Cultural significance
9 to 5 combines Dolly Parton's unmistakable country charm with a spirited celebration of female solidarity and self-assertion. The title song, already a worldwide hit and Oscar-nominated as a film song, forms the rousing centrepiece. The work became a beloved feel-good musical, especially in the West End and on tour, carrying its message with humour and earworm melodies.