It’s been a quarter century since the original release Dolly Parton’s hit single “9 to 5.” The song owes its title to an organization founded in the early ’70s. The organization was dedicated to getting better workplace conditions for women. I’m sure things have come a long way since then, but things are still FAR from equal. We’re living in an era where the governor of this state can say with a straight face that supporting equal pay for women "pit[s] one group of Americans versus another." So we still have a long way to go.
It’s questionable precisely how much impact the song and movie 9 to 5 have done to champion the cause of equality in the workplace. The 1980 film was a huge hit. As was the song. Years later, Dolly Parton co-created a short-lived Broadway musical based on the film. It wasn’t exactly a hit on Broadway, it has seen success elsewhere.
The musical about a group of women working an office in the late ’70s makes it to the stage in Burlington early this month as The Haylofters presents 9 to 5, the Musical. Featuring music written entirely by Parton, the show runs Jul. 9 - 26. Don Fresen directs. For more information, visit the Haylofters online.
