Even more relevant today than when it premiered in 1979, 9-5 shows us the power of women working together to achieve their dreams- and I think that is something we can all relate to. Judy is finding who she is, Doralee wants people to stop judging her and Violet wants to be recognized for her hard work- and all three want to be the author of thier own story in a time where that was often not possible.
As we celebrate the strong women (and men) on our stage, we also celebrate the women on our creative team- Bess Moynihan (set design and technical direction), Holly Barber (music direction), Marci Franklin (costume design) and Sylvia Sellers (charge artistry). Along with Chris Page Sanders (choreography), Kevin Shaw (lighting design) and Kareem Deanes (sound design), all the beautiful things you will hear and see on our stage are because of them and their incredibly hard work.
I would be remiss in not mentioning my stage management team of ECC Theatre students- Madison Skiljan, Shania Wilson, Robbie Elkins, Logan Head, Desiree Roady and Brittany Brandt. These students have run the backstage and rehearsals flawlessly and they have stayed many, many long hours into the night making sure everything was just right.
We would all like to express how grateful we are to the ECC Administration- your financial and moral support of our program is unwavering and it is because of you that we can produce high level art that supports our academic mission.
And of course- to you, our audience. We have been operating for over 45 years because you want to sit in the dark and go on a journey with us. We could do none of this without you. Thank you.
I'd like to dedicate my work on this show to my mother- who spent her life showing me that there was no limit to what I could acheive as a woman- I love you, Mom!
Go live your 9-5 Dream!
Grace Austin.
Director, 9-5 the Musical
