Putting in the work

West De Pere High School students have been hard at work over the last two months preparing to bring their production of 9 to 5 to the stage with performances beginning next Thursday, July 24.

The hit musical by Dolly Parton and Patricia Resneck is based closely on the 1981 hit movie by the same name.

“The plot is pretty much identical to the movie…” said Peggy Eserkaln, set director for the show. “There was a lot of sexism in the office workplace and the show is about turning the tables on the creepy boss and winning in the end.”

Even with a more serious message, the show is packed with comedy to move the story along and keep audiences engaged.

“I think my favorite part is how entertaining the show is,” said Anna Metcalf, who plays Violet Newstead in the show. “Even when it’s not supposed to be funny, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes and on stage that I think everyone can enjoy.”

Rehearsals for 9 to 5 began as soon as school got out in June, meaning students have been at rehearsals every week day for nearly two months to make sure their show was ready for the stage.

“They are definitely a hard-working cast and crew that is getting their comedic timing down,” Eserkaln said. “[I’m proud of] the energy between their characters and the way that they’re working cohesively.”

And cast members said the time and effort they’ve put into perfecting the show will be evident to audience members.

“I’m hoping that everyone appreciates how good the music is and how hard we’ve worked to get the music and the choreo and everything to be top-tier,” said Zander Kinjerski, who plays Franklin Hart in the show.

Performances of 9 to 5 will take place Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m.; Friday, July 25, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, July 26, at 2 p.m.