There is something about the rhythmic thumping opening chords of the song “9 to 5” that jolts the body to want to move. That’s the feeling from the very opening of the American University production of 9 to 5 The Musical that played at the Greenberg Theatre over the weekend. The energy was electric, performers belted out songs to the rafters, and terrific choreography by Maurice Johnson included pirouettes and funky pivots all over the place. The show was a blast.
The story is set in the 1980s when basic office technology consisted of a multi-button desk phone and typewriter. An endearing, intimidated new hire, Judy, a perfectly cast Ava Wilson, can operate neither. She comes under the watchful eye of office leader Violet, a no-nonsense, unappreciated striver who knows the ropes. Violet keeps getting locked out of leadership consideration and has been kicked to the curb enough to recognize desperation in the typing pool. Londyn Anderson captures Violet’s steel-plated strength while allowing bits of vulnerability to peek through in a wonderfully nuanced performance.
The rest of the performers and voices were just as extraordinary. Kate Lurie is Texas-styled Doralee, an absolute delight channeling Dolly Parton down to the twang and the vocal vibrato. Zoe Babbit’s Roz is the office tell-all who was hilariously and hopelessly smitten with the misogynistic boss Mr. Hart, who everyone else despised, played to the max by a talented Dylan Toll. The characters hustle and scurry about — with terrific direction by Nikki Mirza and songs referring to the mimeograph machine, 3-hole punch, hurt, and despair — and then long for a time when they can “Shine Like the Sun.”
The tables turn when an accidental near-poisoning gives them a chance to tuck Hart away for a while so they can implement enlightened new rules for the office. The transformation is extraordinary. Still, he can’t stay tied up (literally) forever, and the situation resolves when the national leadership assesses the new improved conditions. Will that be enough to keep the changes going? That’s a fair question, even now, as office morale is plummeting with stringent regressive rules and conditions becoming enforced.
So yes, the issues of “9 to 5 The Musical” are as relevant as ever in considering the ever-evolving role of women in the workforce. In the program, the director noted an actual Q&A session with Karen Nussbaum, cofounder of 9to5, National Association of Working Women. So many lessons have been learned over the years, but there’s also too much at stake to take any strides for granted. 9 to 5 The Musical is a fun and entertaining way to keep the issues front and center in our hearts and minds while we toe-tap like crazy to the thumping beat.
If there was ever a question about the aspirations and quality of musical theater and training, we can all be assured that the American University Department of Performing Arts is on the case as seen in this lively production of 9 to 5 The Musical.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 20 minutes with one intermission.
9 to 5 The Musical played March 27 to 29, 2025, presented by the American University Department of Performing Arts, performing at the Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre – 4200 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC. For information about future events call 202-885-ARTS (885-2787) or visit the website.
The program for 9 to 5 The Musical is online here.
9 to 5 The Musical
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Directed by Nikki Mirza
CAST
Londyn Anderson; Kate Lurie, Ava Wilson, Zoe Babbitt, Dylan Tool, Ben Iken, Elisa Manning, Maddy Ruyle, Laurel Brown, Mira Morris, Ainsley Novin, Chloe Jackson, Liz Brown, Jane Palladino, Diana Freeze, Carson Young, Luke Pinsky, Will Berger, Simon Huynh, Sam Lewis
CREATIVE AND PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Nikki Mirza
Music Director: Kristin Stowell
Vocal Coach: Susan Derry
Choreographer: Maurice Johnson
Fight Choreographer: Hunter
Intimacy Director: Sierra Young
Set Designer: Kawecki
Assistant Set Designer: Willie Schnack
Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager: Sydney Moore
Assistant Costume Shop Manager: Jillian Skara
Lighting Designer: Jason Arnold
Assistant Lighting Designer: Molly Jane Brennan
Sound Designer: Ian Vesperman
Facilities & Production Manager: Greg Anderson
Technical Director: John Stahrr
Lighting & Audio Coordinator: Kassie Bender
Scenic Paint Charge: Brianne Anderson
Properties Coordinator: Roo Sultan
Stage Manager Advisor: Martita Slaydon-Robinson
Dramaturg Advisor: Lindsey Barr
STUDENT PRODUCTION TEAM
Assistant Directors: Megan Kempton, Charles Sinche
Associate Music Director: Carson Young
Assistant Choreographer: Grace Tingen
Stage Manager: Staci Tomblin
Assistant Stage Managers: Nate Rimalovski, Caroline Bauer, Cal Myers
Dramaturgs: Nate Rimalovski, Shelley Weise
Assistant Costume Designer and Wardrobe Head: Finn Fairfield
Head Audio Technician A1: Brian Masterson Johnke
Follow Spot Operators: Aldo Cabrieles, Gabriela Cohen
Light Board Operator: Madi Troost
Deck Audio Technician: Eva Holleran
Production Assistant: Lucas del Rosario
Wardrobe Crew: Sarah Bennett, Mira Gross-Keck, Rebecca Morris
Social Media Marketing: Kate Lurie
T/MT Grad Fellow: Josie Palmarini
MUSICIANS
Drums: Jared Kirschenbaum
Guitar: James McRae
Bass: Elizabeth Szymanski
Saxophone: Jason Zuckerman
