9 to 5 Hits the Decker Stage as a Collaborative Masterpiece
Student stars, community veterans, and new faculty member Alexis Renee Ward join forces for a historic production featuring a full live orchestra.
The Washington College Music Department is set to transform the Decker Theatre into a vibrant 1970s office space with its upcoming production of the hit musical 9 to 5. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5 is based on the hit movie from 1980. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss.
The production represents a massive collaborative effort between the College and the surrounding Eastern Shore community, with 14 community members serving as actors, costumers, and rehearsal assistants.
The production also marks the first time in 25 years that the floor of the stage in Decker has been opened to reveal the orchestra pit, allowing a full ensemble of students and regional professionals to perform out of the audience's direct view, a departure from previous musicals where musicians were placed on the stage.
The show will be led by a powerhouse trio of Washington College students, with Sarah
Fronheiser ’28 starring as the sharp-witted Violet Newstead (played by Lily Tomlin
in the film version), Noah Gibson ’27 as the wide-eyed Judy Burns (Jane Fonda’s role),
and Kaitlyn Mankevich ’27 as the spunky Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton’s signature
role).
Bringing the vision to life is director Jennifer Kafka Smith, a veteran of the regional Eastern Shore community theater scene known for her extensive work at The Garfield and The Avalon.
“I’m most excited to share the remarkable talent of this cast performing with a live orchestra,” said Smith of the production. “Vocally, the sound coming from these 20 voices is extraordinary. Under the music direction of Alexis Ward, the cast has conquered some challenging harmonies. 9 to 5 is a great story with wonderful music. We have worked hard and laughed through every rehearsal. The scope of this production has exceeded my expectations, and I cannot wait for our audiences to see what we have created.”
Central to the success of this production is the work of Alexis Renee Ward, the show’s music director and the artistic director of the Chester River Chorale. This production serves as a grand introduction for Ward, who was appointed this year to lead the Washington College Chorus and Music Theater Practicum. The College is proud to announce that beginning in the fall, Ward will join the music faculty full-time as a new assistant professor of practice in music. Filling the position previously held by J. Ernest Green, Ward will expand her role in the next academic year to teach chorus, musical theater, conducting, and introduction to music. Her leadership in 9 to 5 has already fostered a unique environment where student musicians on drums, percussion, and trumpet play alongside professional keyboardists and brass players from the region.
The spirit of the production is one of deep-rooted partnership, extending from the pit to the local businesses in Chestertown that have stepped up as sponsors to offset the expenses of such a large-scale musical. This synergy between the campus and the town is expected to star as the heartbeat of the show.
Kenneth Schweitzer, associate professor of music and producer for 9 to 5, emphasized the importance of this unity, noting, “9 to 5 has provided the opportunity for so many talented people to come together for this production. From the start, collaboration has been key. Members of the Washington College community—students, administrators, and faculty have participated. Across the board, we are sharing and learning together as we craft this delightful musical theatre experience.”
Through this blend of student energy, professional mentorship, and community support, Washington College is prepared to deliver a performance that is as much a celebration of local connection as it is a showcase of theatrical talent.
9 to 5 will have three shows and will run Thursday, March 26 to Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. Each are open to the Washington College community and the public. Tickets range in price from $5 to $20 and are available for advance purchase online. Washington College students may attend free of charge.
- Dominique Ellis Falcon