9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL Onstage at The Gaslight Dinner Theatre Through October 13

Dolly Parton's "in the house," in spirit and in song, at Dickson's Renaissance Center with the debut of 9 to 5: The Musical at The Gaslight Dinner Theatre, running through October 13. The show, based on the hit 1980 movie starring Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, features a score by seven-time Grammy Award-winner Parton that includes the blockbuster title song plus 18 original numbers that mix Broadway with pop and Parton's signature witty lyrics.

The musical's book is by Patricia Resnick, the film's original screenwriter. The title song, written by Parton, received two Grammy Awards, an Academy Award nomination and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Artists of America.

9 to 5: The Musical debuted on Broadway in 2009 and was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Score, and a record-breaking 15 Drama Desk Awards. The original Broadway cast recording received a Grammy nomination. After closing on Broadway, the show's national tour launched in Nashville at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (in September 2010) and has since become a favorite among regional theaters the world over.

Set in 1979, the familiar story follows the frustrations and escapades of three office workers, Violet (played by Marilyn Fair), Judy (Nashville theater favorite Jordan Tudor) and Doralee (Ashley Wieronski makes her Gaslight debut in the role made famous by Parton in the original film), who plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical and lying boss, Franklin Hart (Greg Frey). When their plan spins wildly out of control the situation becomes hilarious and the laughter and song erupt. Dolly Parton even makes an appearance, of sorts, in an audio presentation at the beginning and end of the production.

Regan Featherstone makes his Gaslight Dinner Theatre debut as Joe. Other popular Gaslight regulars include Linda Sue Simmons Runyeon, Zane Jordan, Michelle Valenti, Holly Wooten, Nathan W. Brown, Bryan J. Wlas, Alaina Runions and Nick Fair. The production is directed by Pacer Harp, the center's artistic director of theatre, who has acted in or directed more than 50 productions at The Renaissance Center.

Performances of 9 to 5: The Musical include Friday and Saturday evening shows (dinner at 6:30, show at 7:30 p.m.) and Tuesday and Thursday matinee performances (lunch at 12 noon and show at 1 p.m.). Tickets are $37 for the dinner and show evening performance and $27 for lunch and show matinees. For tickets, call (615) 740-5600, (615) 740-5572 or toll-free (888) 700-2300. Tickets are also available online at www.rcenter.org.

In addition to 9 to 5: The Musical, the Gaslight Dinner Theatre presented Red, White & Tuna in July/August, Church Basement Ladies in April/May, Babes in Hollywood: The Music of Garland and Rooney in February/March, and will present This Wonderful Life in November/December.

In This Wonderful Life, presented November 6-December 15, Pacer Harp  will star in this one-man stage production of the iconic holiday movie, It's A Wonderful Life. Harp will play all the roles, including George, Clarence the angel, Mr. Potter and Mary.

Jeffrey Ellis is a Nashville-based writer, editor and critic, who's been covering the performing arts in Tennessee for more than 25 years. He is the recipient of the Tennessee Theatre Association's Distinguished Service Award for his coverage of theatre in the Volunteer State and was the founding editor/publisher of Stages, the Tennessee Onstage Monthly. He is a past fellow of the National Critics Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center and is the founder/executive producer of The First Night Honors, held during Labor Day Weekend, which honor oustanding theater artists in Tennessee in recognition of their lifetime achievements and includes The First Night Star Awards and the Most Promising Actors. Midwinter's First Night, held the first Sunday in January after New Year's Day, honors outstanding productions and performances throughout the state. Further, Ellis directed the Nashville premiere of La Cage Aux Folles, The Last Night of Ballyhoo and An American Daughter, as well as award-winning productions of Damn Yankees, Company, Gypsy and The Rocky Horror Show, with Ellis honored by The Tennessean as best director of a musical for both Company and Rocky Horror.

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