Nine To Five The Musical To Open In Manchester

Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group and Bob Bartner are delighted to announce principal casting for the first leg of the tour of 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL.

Opening at the Manchester Opera House on Friday 12 October 2012 the show will star Natalie Casey as Judy Bernly, Jackie Clune as Violet Newstead, Bonnie Langford as Roz Keith, Amy Lennox as Doralee Rhodes and Ben Richards as Franklin Hart.

Natalie Casey is probably best known as ‘Donna’ in nine series of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. Her theatre credits include Oklahoma! at Chichester Festival Theatre and Legally Blonde in the West End. She is currently appearing as ‘Ange’ in Abigail’s Party, also in the West End. Jackie Clune’s West End credits include the leading role of ‘Mrs Wilkinson’ in Billy Elliot and ‘Donna’ in the International Tour of Mamma Mia!. Bonnie Langford’s many theatre credits include ‘Roxie Hart’ in Chicago on Broadway, US tour and in the West End. Her other West End credits include ‘Charity’ in Sweet Charity and the original cast of Cats. She recently played the ‘Lady of the Lake’ in Spamalot on tour, a role she will be reprising in the West End next month. In 2006 she reached the final of ITV1’s Dancing on Ice. Amy Lennox played the role of ‘Elle Woods’ and ‘Margot’ in Legally Blonde in the West End. Other West End credits include ‘Liesl’ in The Sound of Music at the London Palladium. Ben Richards recently starred as ‘Tick’ in Priscilla Queen of the Desert in the West End. His other West End credits include ‘Sky Masterson’ in “Guys and Dolls, ‘Danny’ in Grease, ‘Tony’ in Saturday Night Fever and ‘Jerry Lukowski’ in “he Full Monty. His TV credits include playing ‘PC Nate Roberts’ in The Bill.

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Dolly Parton said:

“I am so excited that 9 to 5 the Musical is coming to the UK. I’m hoping you have as much fun watching it as I had writing the music for it. 9 to 5 the Musical is perfect for anyone that’s ever wanted to string up their boss, which is almost all of us. So come join the fun! “

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is the fourth production to open in Manchester, following Ghost – The Musical, All New People starring Zach Braff and Monkee Business as part of The Ambassador Theatre Group’s ‘Manchester Gets it First’ initiative, the company’s commitment to bringing the biggest new musicals and plays to Manchester before London and other major cities.

With an estimated 100 million album sales the song writer, film and television star and worldwide icon, Dolly Parton is one of greatest selling music artists of all time. A multi Grammy award winner, which includes the most prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, Golden Globe Award winner and Tony Award nominee. The 2008 Backwoods Barbie tour (which features in 9-5 The Musical) completely sold out in the UK as well as her most recent 2011 UK tour, which was Dolly Parton’s most successful to date.

As a songwriter with over 3000 songs written and honoured into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, Dolly penned the global chart topper I Will Always Love You sung by Whitney Houston, which is the best selling single written and performed by a woman, ever.

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One of Dolly’s biggest solo hits 9-5 was nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, the hit song topped the pop and country charts winning 2 Grammy Awards including best Country Song of the year.

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is a hilarious new musical comedy, based on the hit movie and centres on three office workers who turn the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss. They conspire to take control of the company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is about teaming up and taking care of business. Feisty, fun and oh so fabulous! This show features Dolly Parton’s original hit title song, “9 to 5” which won her an Oscar nomination and 4 Grammy Award nominations along with her new Tony and Grammy nominated score. With 18 original Dolly Parton numbers, including numbers from her last two albums Backwoods Barbie, Shine Like the Sun, Get Out and Stay Out and Let Love Grow.

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun who has just directed the Tony Award winning ‘Newsies – The Musical’ for Disney on Broadway. 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is based on the 20th Century Fox Picture and features Dolly Parton from her desk in Dollywood.

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