Dolly Parton gives us a sneak peek at '9 to 5: The Musical'

After two postponements due to “technical demands,” the curtain finally rose Tuesday night on previews for “9 to 5: The Musical,” where audience members received an unexpected treat — a mini-concert by Dolly Parton.

Parton, of course, penned the music and lyrics for the original 1980 hit film as well as the new musical, now in its pre-Broadway run at the Ahmanson Theatre. The country singer made a surprise appearance, talking up the show beforehand and warning that the performance might stop a few times, as is typical during previews for complicated productions.

“9 to 5” went on as planned until nearly the end of Act 1, when, sure enough, things suddenly ground to a halt. Parton, who was seated in the orchestra section, immediately leaped into action, according to those in attendance. Standing in front of the stage, she chatted up the audience and took questions. She then led them in a rousing sing-along to the show’s theme song, “9 to 5.”

With technical issues still being worked out, Parton went on to sing another of her famous compositions, “I Will Always Love You,” quipping that “Whitney Houston may have sung the song better, but I made more money on it.” The crowd went wild.

The world premiere musical, which features Allison Janney (in the role originated by Lily Tomlin), Megan Hilty (Dolly Parton), Stephanie J. Block (Jane Fonda) and Marc Kudisch (Dabney Coleman), officially opens Sept. 20.

— Lisa Fung

Photo: Dolly Parton at a news conference in New York this summer. Credit: Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

After two postponements due to “technical demands,” the curtain finally rose Tuesday night on previews for “9 to 5: The Musical,” where audience members received an unexpected treat — a mini-concert by Dolly Parton.

Parton, of course, penned the music and lyrics for the original 1980 hit film as well as the new musical, now in its pre-Broadway run at the Ahmanson Theatre. The country singer made a surprise appearance, talking up the show beforehand and warning that the performance might stop a few times, as is typical during previews for complicated productions.

“9 to 5” went on as planned until nearly the end of Act 1, when, sure enough, things suddenly ground to a halt. Parton, who was seated in the orchestra section, immediately leaped into action, according to those in attendance. Standing in front of the stage, she chatted up the audience and took questions. She then led them in a rousing sing-along to the show’s theme song, “9 to 5.”

With technical issues still being worked out, Parton went on to sing another of her famous compositions, “I Will Always Love You,” quipping that “Whitney Houston may have sung the song better, but I made more money on it.” The crowd went wild.

The world premiere musical, which features Allison Janney (in the role originated by Lily Tomlin), Megan Hilty (Dolly Parton), Stephanie J. Block (Jane Fonda) and Marc Kudisch (Dabney Coleman), officially opens Sept. 20.

— Lisa Fung

Photo: Dolly Parton at a news conference in New York this summer. Credit: Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

Comments

[Robert NO longer in LA]

Oh mah gawd!!! Is it HALLOWEEN already? She is frightening me!

[Gayle Stubblefield]

Went to see the play on 9-11. It was alright. The staging over took the actors and I was constantly worried about someone might fall in the stage pit that was constantly moving. In honesty I was very upset when at the end of the play Megan Hitly (Doralee) stated that she worked for George W. Bush and called him a liar, homophob,sexist etc. You get the picture. If I wanted to come to a politicle event I would have paid to go to one. It ruined the entire play for me. Bashing our president especially on Sept. 11th was not my idea of a good time. Weather you agree with her or not it wasn't the time and place to do so. She has the right to do say what she wants as we are a free countty however I have the right to see a play without this kind of hatred. I was not the only person who said it ruined it for them as well.