Stage Right of Texas will launch its 15th season Sept. 8 at the Crighton Theatre and first up is a musical with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
The show opens on Sept. 8 and continues weekends through Sept. 24 at 234 N. Main Street in downtown Conroe. Matinees are at 2 p.m. Sept. 10, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24. Friday and Saturday evening shows are at 7:30 p.m.
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Here are five things to know about the Stage Right season opener:
About “9 to 5”
“9 to 5 The Musical,” with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the 1980 hit movie of the same name.
Set in the late 1970s this is a story of friendship and revenge. When 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. Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton made the trio of iconic characters Violet, Judy and Doralee in the movie.
About the director
Adam Isbell who has many acting and directing credits on Conroe stages is directing for the first time at the Crighton Theatre.
The first time he was on a creative team for a show was when the late O.A. Melvin was directing “9 to 5: The Musical” at the Owen Theatre. Isbell was assistant stage manager and said he fell in love with the show.
“It’s funny, entertaining and has a good message. The characters are iconic and enjoyable,” he said.
Other crew members are Ana Gui-Ladd, stage manager; Lizzie Piniero, props and stage manager; Austin Krueger, assistant director; Rebecca McDowell, assistant director; Meredith Fisk, vocal director; Cricket Pepper, choreographer; Layne Roberts, music director; Janice Coleman on costumes and Keegan Pepper, lights.
About the cast
The cast features Jennifer Clevenger as Violet, Madison Mapes-Clevenger as Judy and the role of Doralee is double cast with Cricket Pepper and Christina Sato.
“There’s a grit to Doralee that most people don’t see and I wanted them to have that bit of roughness,” Isbell said. “Doralee is rough around the edges, but there’s this lightness and likeability about her that they both have.”
Chris Daniel plays the boss Hart.
At first, Isbell didn’t see Daniel who is 24, as Hart.
“I thought he was too young, but it works. He’s really good at being slimy and he’s not at all like that in real life. His timing in impeccable,” Isbell said. “I have very few notes for him because he just does it so well.”
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Other cast members include Roz – Graciela Lara; Joe – Bill Shafer; Kathy – Robin Rickwalt; Margaret – Lisa Ballard; Maria – Velvet McWhirter and Riley Johnson; Missy – Samantha Jay; Dwayne – Jeff Wilkins; Dick – Luis Garcia; Josh – Ara Hollyday; Bob – Sid Wadley; Tinsworthy – Keath Krueger and Doctor – Shananda Poulos.
How to see the show
Tickets may be purchased on the Stage Right website or by calling the box office at 936-441-7469. Adult tickets are $30, senior tickets are $25 and student tickets are $20.
More of the 15th season
Other Stage Right shows in the 15th season include “Clue” Oct. 20 through Nov. 5.
The holiday show is a return of “Christmas Belles” Dec. 1-17. “West Side Story” is set for Feb. 9-25, 2024. “The Buddy Holly Story” is April 5-21, 2024.
The season closer is family favorite “Beauty and the Beast” July 5-21.
See Stage Right’s Facebook page for more.
