The first performance of 9 to 5 will take place this Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Shoreline Community College theater (Building 1600). With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, the show takes us back to the 1970s, when three women decide they’ve had enough of their boss’ sexist and egotistical behavior.
Over 30 to 35 people are involved in the organization of this production, including two directors, 16 actors, four stage helpers, six student vendors of tickets, snacks, and drinks, and volunteers, all sourced from both the music and drama departments.
“It has truly been a team effort,” said Kevis Leung, a staff member of the theater. “We have been working hard for a couple of weeks to bring this play to life. It is really rewarding to see all the things we worked on coming together.”
Dr. Duygu Erdogan-Monson studied cinema, theater, and American politics, and she is directing the production with John Nold. Her extensive background prompted her to choose a musical with such an impactful message for this production. “Musicals give hope, happiness, and unify people,” said Dr. Erdogan-Monson. She reflected on how musicals were powerful during the Great Depression; in the middle of so much uncertainty, people believed they could get strong again.
Historically, musicals used to bring large audiences to Shoreline Community College theater, but something was lost during the pandemic. Now, the drama department is working hard to bring the audience back. Dr. Erdogan-Monson said, “We are trying to understand together how we can collaborate and connect with the community again.”
Three key factors shaped the decision to produce 9 to 5: the musical’s social relevance, the number of students enrolled in the class, and the preparation timeline. Formal rehearsal started for most of the cast at the beginning of the present quarter on Jan. 6, but the audition process began in early December during the previous fall quarter. Some of the actors and musicians started rehearsing earlier to get familiar with the music. Since the beginning of the year, they have been rehearsing during weekends and holidays. Dr. Erdogan-Monson pointed out with a laugh that they have been on a schedule of 10 to 5 almost everyday rather than 9 to 5, as the title of the play suggests.
Ash is a student who is understudying three roles, and she is one of the actors who is always ready to step in when needed. “She is ready to go whenever we need her,” said Dr. Erdogan-Monson.
The audience can expect to feel this performance in their heart; it may be love, anger, or excitement. “I believe they are going to see how important it is to come together to establish and be successful in important topics such as human rights,” said Dr. Erdogan-Monson.
Tickets start at $5 for Shoreline Community College students and can be purchased at the door on the day of the performance or online (with an additional service fee) at Brown Paper Tickets. The show will run until Mar. 9, and the performances will occur on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
“It’s going to be awesome,” said Olivia Alderton, one of the actors of the play, while walking back to the stage. She was one of the leading actors from last year’s Crucible.
Students, faculty, staff, and the Shoreline community are encouraged to attend this touching production, which promises to spark important conversations on human rights and workplace equality.
