Performing Arts

NEW YORK – "It's the most fun I've ever had as a songwriter," Dolly Parton twanged Tuesday as she announced that the stage version of 9 to 5: The Musical will open on Broadway next spring.

BEBETO MATTHEWS/The Associated Press

Dolly Parton stands with actress Megan Hilty, who portrays the sexy executive secretary character Ms. Parton played in the 1980 film 9 to 5.

"I feel like Minnie Pearl! I'm just so glaaaad to be here," cooed Ms. Parton, a petite vision in tight white pedal pushers and the highest of white high heels. The country superstar stood in a Times Square studio with the cast and creative team for the musical, which is in its second week of rehearsal before heading out of town. It opens in New York on April 23 at the Marquis Theatre.

The show, based on the 1980 film in which Ms. Parton starred with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, begins a tryout Sept. 3 in Los Angeles at the Center Theatre Group's Ahmanson Theater. An official opening is set there for Sept. 21 for a run through Oct. 19.

The musical will star Allison Janney in the Tomlin role, Stephanie J. Block in Ms. Fonda's part and Megan Hilty in Ms. Parton's role as a sexy executive secretary. The plot concerns three office workers who plot against their sexist boss (played by Marc Kudisch). The musical will be directed by Joe Mantello, the director of Wicked.

9 to 5 is based on "a nonmusical film that has an amazing piece of music associated with it. It didn't make a lot of sense to get another composer," said producer Robert Greenblatt, who with book writer Patricia Resnick – who wrote the movie's screenplay – persuaded Ms. Parton to work on the theater adaptation.

"When they asked me if I would write the music, I said I would try," said Ms. Parton, who will have about 20 new songs in the show. "I don't know that much about Broadway. It's a little bit out of my league. So I went home and I prayed about it. ... [Then] I got into it and I really acted out all the parts. I was glad I was by myself a lot."

Ms. Resnick said, "People sometimes ask me how 9 to 5 is still relevant – in spite of the fact that when I first did it, the words 'sexual harassment' were not in the lexicon. That phrase didn't exist. I think a lot of things haven't changed as much as one would have hoped.

"This isn't a show just for women or about women. It's about the workplace. It's an anti-authority piece. Anyone who's had ... an errant boss can relate."