9 to 5 The Musical at the Morgan Wixson Theater in Santa Monica- Preview, Tickets- May 2026
Santa Monica’s Morgan-Wixson Theatre
2627 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica 90405
The Morgan-Wixson Theatre’s 9 to 5 The Musical is a bold and hilarious tale of women rising up, getting even, and rewriting the rules.
9 to 5 The Musical
Santa Monica, CA – April 21, 2026 The Morgan-Wixson Theatre brings 9 to 5 The Musical to Santa Monica as part of our 80th anniversary season. 9 to 5: The Musical is a high-energy, feel-good production that blends sharp comedy with a
story about three women taking control of their workplace. Featuring a lively, memorable score by Dolly Parton, the
show delivers big laughs, relatable moments, and plenty of heart. Story and Book by Patricia Resnick, Music and Lyrics by
Dolly Parton, licensed under agreement with MTI.
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. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy, giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she? 9 to 5 The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. It is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.
9 to 5: The Musical still feels relevant in 2026 because the workplace problems it pokes fun at never really disappeared-they’ve just changed shape over time. At its heart, the show is about pushing back against unfair power dynamics, which lines up with today’s conversations about equal pay, gender roles, and holding leaders accountable. Even though it’s funny, the struggles it shows still feel very real. Director Amy Coles brings 9 to 5 The Musical to life with a fresh and empowering perspective centering the strength, complexity, and authenticity of women’s stories. Drawn to narratives that highlight dynamic, flawed, and resilient female characters, Coles saw this production as a natural step in her artistic evolution and an opportunity to uplift stories of women supporting one another rather than competing. “I’m excited to share a story of female friendships and females working together rather than being pitted against one another. Violet, Judy, and Doralee each represent different facets of womanhood, navigating a workplace stacked against them, alone at first and then coming together to achieve success. Their journey from isolation to collaboration is both inspiring and deeply human. This musical shines because of its strong, nuanced female characters who are a little bit older, a little bit more seasoned and experienced, and reflect actual women navigating this world.
“I’m also proud to build a female-forward creative team.” She explains, pointing to the journeys of Violet, Judy, and Doralee as they navigate a workplace stacked against them before finding power in collaboration. With sharp, intentional comedy and a vibrant score by Dolly Parton, the show balances humor with a meaningful exploration of systemic challenges women faced in 1979, many of which still resonate today. This production leans into that balance, blending high-energy entertainment with a message of empowerment, connection, and resilience. Leading the story is Kyrsten Williams as Violet Newstead, a role she describes as deeply personal and inspiring. “I was drawn to 9 to 5 because it’s the perfect blend of comedy, heart, and empowerment but also what it represents for me personally. As a Black woman and a mom working hard to build, provide, and pursue my passion, this story hits home. It felt like an opportunity to step into a role that reflects strength, resilience, and growth.” Williams shares. Violet’s journey; transforming from overlooked and undervalued to confident and outspoken, anchors the musical’s message about knowing your worth and using your voice. Alongside her, Claire Shepard’s portrayal of Doralee highlights the show’s ability to pair comedy with vulnerability, using humor as a lens to expose workplace inequities while celebrating the power of femininity and mutual support. Claire says “The message of 9-5 has timeless relevance. Despite how far we’ve come, women and marginalized folks are still overlooked in the workplace and treated inequitably. In one aspect, coming to see this show is a reminder of the work we still need to do. In another, it shows women that our femininity is not our limitation; it is the very thing that sets us free. Our real power as women lies in our choices to see and uplift each other through adversity.” Together, the cast and creative team bring new life to this beloved musical, offering a production that is as joyful and entertaining as it is relevant. 9 to 5 The Musical invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and leave inspired. Being reminded that real change begins when women stand together and refuse to be silenced.
9 to 5 The Musical is directed by Amy Coles; Cori Goldberg and Spencer Johnson are Producering; Daniel Koh
is Music Director; Holly Weber is the choreographer; Ashley DeFrancesco is Production Stage Manager; Mary Zastrow is
Intimacy Director; Costume Designer is Kristie Mattsson; Lighting Designer is Daniel Mitchener; Scenic Designer is Yelena
Babinskaya; Wigs Design is Jon Sparks; Sound Designer is Jess Cashin. Morgan-Wixson Theatre Technical Director is William Wilday.
9 to 5 THE MUSICAL story and Book by Patricia Resnick, Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, licensed under agreement with MTI will be presented at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre, opening May 9 through June 7, 2026. The play features (in alphabetical order) Angelica Roqué as Judy Bernly, Antonio Duca as Dwayne, Ariella Salinas Fiore as Maria (Roz u/s), Claire Shepard as Doralee Rhodes, Danielle Montezinos as Margaret, Eileen Cherry O’Donnell as Kathy, Ethan Mullen as Ensemble, Evan Simonowitz as Josh, Gregg Strouse as Franklin Hart, Jr., Holly Weber as Doralee u/s, Joan Nelson as Roz Keith, Kyrsten Williams as Violet Newstead, Mady McGraw as Missy, Judy u/s, Marc Ostroff as Bob Enright, Miguel Chavez as Ensemble, Joe u/s, Myia LaShaun as Ensemble, Nathan Correll as Joe, Roxy Le Ong as Ensemble, and Steven Didrick as Dick/Tinsworthy.
9 to 5 THE MUSICAL story and Book by Patricia Resnick, Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, licensed under agreement with MTI. Presented by Santa Monica’s Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., May 9 through June 7, 2026 Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m Adults $35, Seniors and Students $27 – plus applicable ticketing
fees.. Group rates are available – call the box office for details. Visit www.morgan-wixson.org or call (310) 828-7519.
Easy, free parking is available a block west of the theater, with many excellent restaurants within walking distance.
NEWS ALERT • JUST THE FACTS
9 to 5 The Musical
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture
Orchestration by Bruce Coughlin
Arrangements and additional Orchestration by Stephen Oremus & Alex Lacamoire
WHO:
Director – Amy Coles
Music Director – Daniel Koh
Choreographer – Holly Weber
Producer – Cori Goldberg and Spencer Johnson
Production Stage Manager – Ashley DeFrancesco
Costume Designer – Kristie Mattsson
Scenic Designer – Yelena Babinskaya
Lighting Designer – Daniel Mitchener
Sound Designer – Jess Cashin
Wigs – Jon Sparks
Intimacy Director – Mary Zastrow
Intimacy Captain – Ariella Salinas Fiore
Costume Assistant – Steven Flowers
Morgan-Wixson Theatre Technical Director – William Wilday
Cast (alphabetical order):
Angelica Roqué
Antonio Duca
Ariella Salinas Fiore
Claire Shepard
Danielle Montezinos
Eileen Cherry O’Donnell
Ethan Mullen
Evan Simonowitz
Gregg Strouse
Joan Nelson
Kyrsten Williams Mady McGraw
Marc Ostroff Miguel Chavez
Myia LaShaun Nathan Correll
Roxy Le Ong
Steven Didrick
Holly Weber
WHAT: 9 to 5 The Musical story and book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming, music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe WHERE: The Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica 90405
WHEN: May 9 – June 7, 2024. Fridays-Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 2PM,
HOW: Reserved seats available at www.morgan-wixson.org, by phone at 310-828-7519 or by email at [email protected]. Adults $35, Seniors and Students $27 – plus applicable ticketing fees.
ABOUT THE MORGAN-WIXSON THEATRE
For more than 75 years the Morgan-Wixson Theatre has been a leader and innovator in community theatre. Long a home for passionate theatre practitioners and a center of live theatre in Santa Monica, students, incredibly talented local artists and future stars alike have graced its Mainstage – from James Dean and Harvey Korman in the 1940s and 50s, Rod McKuen composing an early score or Joyce DeWitt being “discovered” in the 70s to current Broadway star to Beanie Feldstein shining in our Youth Theatre program. The 200 seat non-equity Morgan-Wixson Theatre also welcomes concert programs, guest productions, rehearsals for up-and-coming productions and more. In addition to scheduled seasons of sophisticated, fully-mounted productions, the growth of the theatre includes expanding to offer New Works Festivals and unique “specials” that invite collaboration with an increasingly diverse audience and artistic community. The American Alliance for Theatre-lauded Y.E.S (Youth Education/Entertainment Series) program trains new generations of theatre artists, who are welcomed regardless of their financial means. The Morgan-Wixson’s commitment to community is reflected in its many Community Partnerships and ticket access initiatives. For more details, please visit our website at www.morgan-wixson.org, join us on social media and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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The Morgan–Wixson Theatre is committed to a meaningful effort to amplify new voices to engage, challenge and connect our audiences to each other and the wider community as we elevate the greater potential of what theater can offer to our lives.