9 TO 5 Opens at Theatre By The Sea Tonight, 7/18

The summer season continues at Theatre By The Sea with the Rhode Island premiere of Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: The Musical, opening tonight, July 18.

This musical based on the popular movie of the same name tells the story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era, when three unlikely friends and co-workers conspire to take control of their company and learn there's nothing they can't do -- even in a man's world. Featuring an original score written by Dolly Parton, 9 to 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business... it's about getting credit and getting even... it's about livin' and "workin' 9 to 5!" 9 to 5: The Musical contains adult language and content.

Ocean State Theatre Company, currently celebrating its Fifth Anniversary Season as the not-for-profit producing entity at the historic Theatre By The Sea, is thrilled to welcome back Russell Garrett, who directed last season's critically acclaimed production of Hairspray. Mr. Garrett will both direct and choreograph the hit musical comedy. He will be joined by Boston Conservatory grad and Broadway performer, Dan Micciche, who will music direct. Costumes are being designed by Marcia Zammarelli, a local (Cranston, RI) costume designer, who designed Forever Plaid earlier this season.

As Violet, Broadway actress Jan Leigh Herndon makes her Theatre By The Sea debut. She is joined by New York performers Maggie McDowell and Lulu Lloyd as Doralee and Judy. In the role of Franklin Hart, Jr., will be Broadway actor and Rhode Island native, Kevin Pariseau, who is delighted to be making his Theatre By The Sea debut. Rhode Island native and East Providence High School graduate, Melanie Souza portrays the role of Roz Keith and Tom Andrews, originally from Somerset, Mass., returns to the east coast to make his Theatre By The Sea debut.

Audiences are invited to enhance their theatre experience by dining in the casual, contemporary and creative atmosphere of Bistro by the Sea, just a short stroll down the arbor walk adjacent to the theatre. Following selected performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, theatergoers can enjoy fun, food and drinks at the popular Late Night Cabaret with Sabrina Blaze. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and the cabaret and can be made by calling (401) 789-3030 after 3:00 pm. Before or after the meal theatergoers can enjoy the lush seaside gardens maintained by Dana Designs, which contain over 300 varieties of perennials, grasses, shrubs and climbing plants, offering a magical environment for flower lovers of all ages.

9 to 5: The Musical will be presented at Theatre By The Sea from tonight, July 18 – August 11, with preview performances on Wednesday, July 18 at 8:00 pm and Thursday, July 19 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm and opening night on Friday, July 20 at 8:00 pm.. All other performances are scheduled for Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8:00 pm, Thursdays at 2:00 pm, Saturdays at 4:30 and 8:30 pm and Sundays at 5:00 pm, with special performance times on Sunday, July 22 at 3:00 and 8:00. The theatre is located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, RI.

Tickets are $35 for preview performances and $39-$54 for all other performances. Discount rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling (401) 782-3800 x18. $25 "Rush" tickets are available on a limited basis one hour prior to curtain on the day of the performance. Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, online anytime at www.theatrebythesea.com and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587). The box office will also be open one hour prior to every performance.

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