TOWNSVILLE CHORAL SOCIETY
Est. 1906
What a way to make a livin'
9 to 5 is based on the 1980 movie of the same name, and features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
Centering on the downtrodden working lives of three women, Violet, Judy and Doralee. They all work at Consolidated Industries, which is presided over by the sexist, lecherous, and pompous, Franklin Hart. Violet has worked at Consolidated for many years, but has never been given the chance to rise above senior supervisor status, although she is capable of much more. Judy is newly separated and joins the company having never worked before. Doralee is a sexy, happily married country girl, but she is ostracised from the other female workers. After Judy has an awful first day, Hart passes Violet over for another promotion, and Doralee finds out that Hart has been telling everyone they are having an affair, the three women unite in their hatred of Hart.
One night, the women fantasise about how they would kill him. When Violet almost unwittingly poisons Hart the next day, he blackmails the three women, threatening them with the police. Doralee ties Hart up with the phone wires and, feeling empowered, they decide to imprison him in his own house while his wife is away. In Hart’s absence, Violet, Judy and Doralee run the office to great effect. They introduce childcare, hour-long lunch breaks, rehab programs, and much more to benefit the staff at Consolidated. While Hart is tied up, the women also use the time to gather evidence that Hart has been embezzling from the company, but Hart breaks free and surprises the women at the office. However, his attempts to reveal the truth about his kidnapping are foiled when the Chairman of the Board arrives to praise the company’s increased productivity. The Chairman sends Hart to head up the Bolivia office and promotes Violet to the first female CEO. With Hart gone, the company reprise 9 to 5, in the happy knowledge that times have changed for the better.
Audition Dates
Auditions will be held from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th September 2023 at Townsville Choral Society Hall
Vocal Auditions: Friday Evening 15th September and Saturday 16th September 2023.
Dance Auditions: Sunday 17th September 2023
Call Backs: Monday 18th September 2023 (may not be required)
Rehearsals Commence: Sunday 15th October 2023
Performance Dates: 18th to 28th January 2024
Available Roles
Violet Newstead
Violet Newstead is a smart, efficient, widowed mother of a teenage son who is constantly being passed up for promotion in the boys’ club world of climbing the corporate ladder. She runs the office while her boss takes the credit. She is frustrated with her position, but not bitter. Comedic role - witty & sharp
Gender: Female
Age Range: 40-55
Vocal Range: Alto F3 - D5
Doralee Rhodes
Doralee Rhodes is a sexy, country gal who is the secretary for the boss, Franklin Hart. She is misunderstood at the beginning of the play due to rumours about an affair with the boss but comes to be a strong cog in the machine that destroys Hart. She is an eternal optimist, warm and personable, with a ready smile. Country "Dolly Parton-esque" singing and accent is essential. Comedic role - sharp & no nonsense
Gender: Female
Age Range: 25-35
Vocal Range: G3-E5 Country singing - High belt
Judy Bernly
Judy Bernly is a meek housewife with her first foray into the working world when her husband runs off with his secretary. Judy changes throughout the play into a force to be reckoned with, taking control of herself and her life. Comedic role.
Gender: Female
Age Range: 35-45
Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano with high belt (to D#). Ab3 - F5
Franklin Hart, Jr.
Franklin Hart is a pompous jerk of a boss. If he weren’t the boss, he’d have no friends at all. Spends his time trying to seduce Doralee. Smarmy, sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigot.
Gender: Male
Age Range: 40s-50s
Vocal Range: Bass/Baritone C3-Gb4
Roz Keith
The attentive office gossip queen and snitch. She has an unrequited love for Mr Hart and does everything she can to undermine the rest of the office to earn his affection. Although she has depth, a lonely woman who seeks solace in her work and Hart. Comedic role - over the top. Must also be a good mover.
Gender: Female
Age Range: 40s-50s
Vocal Range: Alto G3-C5
Joe
Young leading man type. A charming, attractive accountant who is interested in Violet. Doubles in the Men's Ensemble. Has his own song. Strong singer is required with good dance skills.
Gender: Male
Age Range: 30-35
Vocal Range: High Baritone/Tenor B4-G4
Dwayne
Doralee’s husband. He is very supportive of her Country ambitions. Doubles in the Men’s Ensemble. Strong dancer/singer.
Gender: Male
Age Range: 30-35
Vocal Range: Tenor
Dick
Judy’s sleazy ex-husband. Doubles in the Men’s Ensemble. Strong dancer/singer.
Gender: Male
Age Range: 30-35
Vocal Range: Baritone/High Baritone
Margaret
A secretary in Hart’s office with a tendency to drink. Good comedy is required. Strong dancer/singer. Doubles in the Women’s Ensemble.
Gender: Female
Age Range: 30-35
Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano
Male Ensemble
All Ethnicities. Strong jazz dancers and singers required to appear in the ensemble and undertake understudy duties. Some will be required to play small cameo roles “Josh Newstead” - Violet’s teenage son. Must look young enough to pass as a teenager. “Bob Enright” - Franklin Hart’s Yes-Man. Trained by Violet and promoted over her. Plus Office employees, police officers, hospital employees & businessmen.
Age Range: 18-60
Vocal Range: All Ranges. Strong singers
Female Ensemble
All Ethnicities. Strong jazz dancers and singers required to appear in the ensemble and undertake understudy duties. Some will be required to play small cameo roles:“Kathy” - Office Gossip. “Missy Hart” - Franklin Hart’s wife, clueless to her husband’s true nature. Fluttery and Ditzy. “Maria” - A young and vibrant secretary in Hart’s office
Age Range: 18-60
Vocal Range: All Ranges. Strong singers
Production Team
Director: Sandra Neal
Vocal Director: Claire Davies
Choreographer: Melissa Land
Musical Director: Rianta Belford
Production Manager: Lauren Dee
Stage Manager: Emily Molloy
Set Design: Chris Nobile
Costume Design: Jenni Ansic
Marketing: TCS Marketing Committee
TCS Committee Representative: Sam Stewart