Dolly Parton has teamed up with Kelly Clarkson for a new duet of her classic hit, "9 to 5." The reimagined version, produced by Shane McAnally, Sasha Alex Sloan and King Henry, was created especially for the new documentary Still Working 9 to 5, which will be released in select theaters on September 16.
“I was blown away when I heard what Shane had done with my song,” Dolly shared with Rolling Stone. “This arrangement shows how differently a song can be done and the story can be told in a whole new way. A special thanks to Steve Summers for getting the ball rolling on this whole musical venture.”
Steve Summers, creative director for Dolly Parton Enterprises and an executive producer on the new film, is credited with suggesting the slower-tempo, moodier interpretation that reflects the continuing struggles faced by women in the workplace.
The documentary film Still Working 9 to 5 examines the 40-year evolution of gender inequality and discrimination in the workplace since the 1980 release of the groundbreaking seminal comedy, 9 to 5, which starred Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Dabney Coleman. Featuring interviews with Dolly and some of her original 9 to 5 co-stars, Still Working 9 to 5 reflects on the making of the original comedy, the issues of gender inequality that the film addresses, and explores why workplace inequality is no laughing matter.
The “9 to 5” duet, featuring Dolly Parton and Kelly Clarkson, is available now on all digital and streaming platforms. Still Working 9 to 5 will be available for a limited theatrical release beginning September 16, with additional screenings at major film festivals throughout the United States.
Producers John Frost and Suzanne Jones are delighted to announce that "9 to 5 THE MUSICAL" is partnering with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to bring the joy of reading to children in need across Australia.
As the official charity partner of the musical production, '9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL' will host a charity performance on Thursday, June 18 at 7:30 PM with the proceeds from 500 ticket sales going directly to the Imagination Library. These funds, plus other fundraising initiatives on the night, will assist the Imagination Library to bring the gift of reading to children all around the country. Dolly Parton said,
“I am thrilled to announce that "9 to 5 The Musical" will be raising funds for a foundation I started 24 years ago and is very close to my heart, The Imagination Library. The program sends out over one million free books each month to children all around the world - I guess that’s why they call me the book lady!”
Producer Suzanne Jones said, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Imagination Library as our chosen official charity partner on 9 to 5 The Musical. Dolly Parton herself established this charity initiative in the US as a tribute to her father who never learned to read. Her aim was to inspire all children to love to read, and we are looking forward to helping her accomplish that mission here in Australia.”
Clayton Noble, Chief Executive of United Way Australia, said, “We are very excited to be hosting a special charity performance on Thursday, June 18 with proceeds from the ticket sales to go towards supporting families and carers involved in the Imagination Library, and providing the gift of a book each month to children aged 0-5 in many communities across Australia.”
IMAGINATION LIBRARY CHARITY PERFORMANCE
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star
Date: Thursday, June 18, 7.30 PM
Prices: $79.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Book Tickets
* Performance times vary weekly
** Transaction fees apply
London’s West End smash-hit "9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL" will premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre next month on April 19, 2020, followed by a season at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne starting July 25, 2020. Eddie Perfect, one of Australia’s leading television and musical theatre stars, will play the egotistical boss Franklin Hart Jnr. Producers John Frost, Suzanne Jones and Ambassador Theatre Group Productions announced the addition of Eddie Perfect on Feb. 29, 2020.
“We’re thrilled that Eddie has accepted our challenge to return to Australia to play this wonderfully self-centred, chauvinist character after living in New York for a few years,” said the producers. “As well as being a fantastic comic and composer, Eddie is a much-loved musical theatre performer, and will be fantastic in 9 TO 5 alongside Caroline, Marina, Samantha, Erin and the wonderful ensemble.”
"9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL" in Australia also stars Caroline O’Connor, Marina Prior, Samantha Dodemaide and Erin Clare. This run-away success on the West End features a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick and an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton, including her much-loved hit song, "9 to 5!"
Also in the cast are Ana Maria Belo, Amy Berrisford, Zoe Coppinger, Mia Dabkowski-Chandler, Josh Gates, Ben Gillespie, Emma Hawthorne, Matthew Jenson, Jay Johns, Ethan Jones, Ariana Mazzeo, Joe Meldrum, Jordanna Morandin, Josh Mulheran, Tom New, Matthew Prime, Melissa Russo and Glaston Toft.
"9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL" opened at London’s Savoy Theatre in January last year, initially for a 16 week season and surpassed all audience expectations. It has been extended multiple times and is now selling until April. Perhaps a whole new generation of Dolly fans are treating themselves to a fun night out on the West End!
Get "9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL" Tickets
Dolly Parton is delighted to present 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL at the Savoy Theatre, London for a strictly limited season from 28 January – 31 August 2019 starring Louise Redknapp as Violet Newstead, Amber Davies as Judy Bernly, Natalie McQueen as Doralee Rhodes and Brian Conley as Franklin Hart. Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday 18 September at 12.00noon.
Featuring an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton. 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy - three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the girls manage to reform their office - or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!
Louise Redknapp most recently starred as ‘Sally Bowles’ in the national tour of “Cabaret”. In 2016 she reached the final of “Strictly Come Dancing”. As a musician Louise has sold millions of records. She was a member of the band Eternal before embarking on a highly successful solo career, with her first live shows in 15 years selling out all over the UK. Amber Davies graduated in 2016 with a Diploma in Musical Theatre from the Urdang Academy. Her credits whilst training include “Bring It On”, “My Favourite Year” and “Memphis”. Last year, Amber was the winner of the hit ITV reality series “Love Island”. Natalie McQueen is currently appearing in the West End as ‘Lauren’ in “Kinky Boots” at the Adelphi Theatre. Her other credits include “Murder Ballad” at the Arts Theatre, “Wicked” at the Apollo Victoria and “Les Misérables” at the Palace Theatre. Natalie has also appeared in the UK and Ireland tour of “Wonderland”. Brian Conley’s many West End credits include ‘Edna Turnblad’ in “Hairspray” at the Shaftesbury Theatre, ‘Caractacus Potts’ in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the London Palladium, the title role in “Jolson” at the Victoria Palace and ‘Bill’ in “Me and My Girl” at the Adelphi Theatre. His touring credits include the title role in “Barnum” and ‘Fagin’ in “Oliver!”. Brian’s TV credits include “An Audience with Brian Conley”, “The Grimleys” and “The Brian Conley Show”, all for ITV.
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, set and costume design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe.
9 to 5: The Musical Original Broadcast Cast Recording is planned for re-release via Dolly Records/Sony Music.
Dolly Parton was recently surprised with the news of four Recording Industry Association certification awards upgrades.
She was presented with plaques in recognition of the RIAA Gold certification of her recording of “I Will Always Love You” (RCA) with over 500,000 digital sales and streams, Gold certification of “Jolene” (RCA) with over 500,000 digital sales and streams and Platinum certification of “9 To 5” (RCA) which has amassed over one million digital sales and streams. Of special note, the song “9 To 5,” written by Dolly, has taken on heightened awareness as the music bed to a new “Northwestern Mutual” national television commercial.
“What a fantastic way to start off a new year,” says an enthusiastic Dolly, “By being honored by the Emmys, RIAA and Guinness World Records folks! I am so flattered and proud!"
As the sole songwriter of “I Will Always Love You,” as recorded by Whitney Houston on “The Bodyguard” film soundtrack (Legacy/Arista), Dolly received a fourth plaque commemorating Triple-Platinum certification for over three million digital sales and streams of the smash hit.
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Pictured here as Dolly Parton was surprised with a Whitney Houston "I Will Always Love You" RIAA 3 Times Platinum plaque (left to right) are: Danny Nozell, CTK Management; Parton; and John Zarling, EVP, Marketing & New Business. Photo credit: John Shearer
Pictured at top as Dolly Parton was surprised with 3 RIAA certification plaques (left to right) are: Greg Linn, SVP, Marketing & Content, Legacy Recordings/Sony Music; Parton; John Jackson, SVP, A&R, Legacy Recordings/Sony Music; and John Zarling, EVP, Marketing & New Business, Sony Music Nashville.
Photo credit: John Shearer
Dolly’s latest project “I Believe In You,” her first-ever children’s album, released last fall on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville. All 14 tracks on the new album were written and performed by Dolly Parton for kids and those young at heart. “I Believe In You” Available Here
