A Note from the Director, Sarah Holland
My family has been, and always will be, movie people. Some kids grew up watching Sesame Street, but on the Inman family’s 30-inchbox TV you could find films such as ‘The Great Race’, ‘What’s Up Doc’, and ‘9 to 5’ flashing before you in horrible quality.
I remember quite vividly waking up one Saturday morning in Winter, asking my mom to put on the film starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and the iconic Dolly Parton. The film had bright colors, fun dream sequences, and a catchy tune to open with. That’s why I liked it as a child. It’s one of those films you revisit in your older years and find new meanings for: and boy was that the case when I rewatched 9 to 5 as an adult, and even got to play Dolly Parton’s role in the stage version in college.
Unfortunately, the issue of sexism explored in the film from the 70’s is all too relevant today in 2021. Three women: all different in their own right, are all oppressed by the same man. The girl boss, the pushover, and the beauty all three fall victim to a boss who takes advantage of his power and uses it to dictate and rule over his office.
I am so proud of 9 to 5. I doubt I will ever encounter a cast this talented again, and if I do, I’m more blessed than I think. These kids trusted me: a brand new first year teacher and director, during COVID no less, to hold them accountable, keep them out of complacency, and push them to be their very best. The result is something I hope they can be proud of for many years to come, and I hope the conversations we had about the severity of the subject material stick as well.
My hope is that our ‘9 to 5’ is an empowering story of community, strength, and resilience; that it displays the power that can transpire when women and men come together and help each other reach a common goal.
Having conversations with young people about what is and is not acceptable in a workplace setting or any setting for that matter, is important. I have encouraged the women in this cast to lift each other up and be strong, and I have encouraged the men in this cast to be good leaders, worthy of power.
We hope you enjoy our production of ‘9 to 5’, and our message that when people with a common understanding come together, it makes the hard things a little bit better, and makes us feel a little bit less alone.
