CHESTERTOWN — Washington College’s music department is set to transform Decker Theatre into a vibrant 1970s office space with its upcoming production of the hit musical “9 to 5.”
With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, “9 to 5” is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie.
Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss.
“9 to 5” will will run from Thursday, March 26 to Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. each night. The public is invited.
Tickets range in price from $5 to $20 and are available for advance purchase online; click here for details.
There is no cost for Washington College students.
The production represents a massive collaborative effort between the college and the surrounding Eastern Shore community, with 14 community members serving as actors, costumers and rehearsal assistants.
The production also marks the first time in 25 years that the floor of the stage in Decker Theatre has been opened to reveal the orchestra pit, allowing a full ensemble of students and regional professionals to perform out of the audience’s direct view — a departure from previous musicals where musicians were placed on the stage.
The production will be led by three Washington College students, with Sarah Fronheiser ’28 starring as the sharp-witted Violet Newstead (played by Lily Tomlin in the film version), Noah Gibson ’27 as the wide-eyed Judy Burns (Jane Fonda’s role) and Kaitlyn Mankevich ’27 as the spunky Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton’s signature role).
Bringing the vision to life is director Jennifer Kafka Smith, a veteran of the regional Eastern Shore community theater scene known for her extensive work at The Garfield Center for the Arts in Chestertown and The Avalon Theatre in Easton.
Smith said this about the production: “I’m most excited to share the remarkable talent of this cast performing with a live orchestra. Vocally, the sound coming from these 20 voices is extraordinary. Under the music direction of Alexis Ward, the cast has conquered some challenging harmonies. ‘9 to 5’ is a great story with wonderful music. We have worked hard and laughed through every rehearsal. The scope of this production has exceeded my expectations, and I cannot wait for our audiences to see what we have created.”
Central to the success of this production is the work of Ward, the show’s music director and the artistic director of the Chester River Chorale.
This production serves as a grand introduction for Ward, who was appointed this year to lead the Washington College Chorus and Music Theater Practicum.
Beginning in the fall, Ward will join the music faculty full time as the new assistant professor of practice in music.
Her leadership in “9 to 5” already has fostered a unique environment where student musicians on drums, percussion and trumpet play alongside professional keyboardists and brass players from the region.
The spirit of the production is one of deep-rooted partnership, extending from the pit to the local businesses in Chestertown that have stepped up as sponsors to offset the expenses of such a large-scale musical. This synergy between the campus and the town is expected to star as the heartbeat of the show.
Kenneth Schweitzer, associate professor of music and producer of the show, emphasized the importance of this unity, noting, “9 to 5″ has provided the opportunity for so many talented people to come together for this production.
From the start, Schweitzer said, “collaboration has been key. Members of the Washington College community — students, administrators and faculty — have participated. Across the board, we are sharing and learning together as we craft this delightful musical theater experience.”
Through this blend of student energy, professional mentorship and community support, Washington College is prepared to deliver a performance that is as much a celebration of local connection as it is a showcase of theatrical talent.
