News Archive

Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department to bring “9 to 5” to Callahan Theater April 21-23

Published March 15, 2017

Nothing screams comedy like a workplace fantasy sequence. The Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department will take on the stage version of 9 to 5: the Musical, based on the 1980 hit film of the same name, April 21-22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. in the Callahan Theatre at the Nazareth College Arts Center.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Set in the late 1970s, 9 to 5 follows three women pushed to their boiling point by their misogynistic, egotistical, bigoted boss, Mr. Hart. Hart embodies workers’ wildest fear: an over-powerful boss who takes advantage of the women who work beneath him. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnik, a pop-country score draw us into a hilarious story that is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.

The film version of 9 to 5 was considered timely, as its debut coincided with the EEOC’s establishment of guidelines that deemed sexual harassment unlawful under Title VII.  Thirty seven years later,  9 to 5 is still just as relevant, as seen in modern movements such as the Fight for $15 and Raise the Wage campaigns, and most recently the Women’s March on Washington. Director Matt Steffens says, “Despite how far women’s equality in the workplace has come in the past 37 years, when I saw Audi’s ad that asked the question ‘What do I tell my daughter?’ highlighting the inequalities still present in society, it reminded me how much more work still needs to be done. 9 to 5 continues to hit at the core of the challenges many face in the workplace. We look forward to sharing Dolly Parton’s amazing music and this hilarious show with Rochester area audiences.”

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM

Leading the production are Nazareth College students Emily Mullin (Violet Newstead), Michaela Groth (Doralee Rhodes), Kit Prelewitz (Judy Bernly) and Abby Swanson (Roz Keith). All were seen in last semester’s sold-out run of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Recent School of the Arts graduate Demetrio Alomar will be featured as the hateful Mr. Hart.

Rounding out the cast are Theatre and Dance Department students Mike Schuetz (Joe), Sterling Tull (Dwayne), Jake Smith (Josh), Katja Stavenhagen (Missy), Anna Kostakis (Maria), Josh Feldman (Dick), Chiara Giampietro (Kathy), Sara Hayward (Margaret), Vinny Capluzzi (Bob Enright), Sam Melita (Tinsworthy), Chris Peterkin (Detective), Justin Smith (Doctor), Regan Stacey (Candy Striper), Sam Antoniewicz (New Employee), Chris Salvaggio (Intern/ Dance Captain); and ensemble members Peter Smith, Dylan Kastel, Kaitie Buckert, Cassidy Halpin (Assistant Dance Captain).

The production will be directed and choreographed by Matthew Steffens with music direction from Corinne Aquilina. Steffens comes to Nazareth College with several Broadway and off-Broadway credits including Doctor Zhivago (associate choreographer) and Queen of the Night (associate choreographer and resident director during its Drama Desk Award win for Unique Theatrical Experience); in addition to his work in a number of television series and movies: The Last Five Years (assistant choreographer), Pan Am (associate choreographer), Across the Universe (dancer), and SMASH (dancer). Aquilina is known for her arrangement and musical direction for the long-running off-Broadway show, Menopause the Musical, for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Sophisticated Ladies for Inside Broadway theatre company, and for Sir Tim Rice's From Here to Eternity, which premiered in the United States last summer.

In addition to Aquilina on piano, musicians for the production include Nazareth alum and staff Tony Bisbano; students Lincoln All (drums) and Michael Wall (bass); and local musicians Charlie Carr, Grace Frarey, Jeff Greene, Robert Varon, Keaton Vivattine, John Vivattine, and Austin Wahl.

The 9 to 5 design team consists of and Allen Wright Shannon (scenic designer), Ted Shawe (sound designer), Emily Stork (lighting designer), and Yuanting Zhao (costume designer). Student creative team members are Claire Ganem (associate director), Cassidy Halpin (assistant to the choreographer), Janna Kozloski (assistant stage manager), Alexus Maxam (props master), Christopher Salvaggio (assistant to the choreographer), Sam Spadafore (assistant lighting designer), Nolan Todd (stage manager), and Abby Voss (assistant stage manager).

TICKETS

Tickets are $13–$15, free for Nazareth College students, and $7.50 for other students with valid ID at the Arts Center Box Office. Arts Center subscribers save 50% off single ticket prices. For tickets call – or visit – the Box Office: 585-389-2170 or order online: naz.edu/arts-center.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm and 11am until curtain time on performance days.

For More Information

Mare Millow | Marketing & Publicity Manager | Nazareth College Arts Center | mmillow7@naz.edu | 585-389-2093

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.