Laugh-out-loud’ summer musical ‘9 to 5’ opens at Peacock Performing Arts Center

Photo by Pam Roman

Foreground: Cameron LeJeune. On stage (L to R):  Abiagael Shields, Ryleigh Elver, David Heyer, Natalie Schaible, Leta Reeves, Dakotah Waldroop, Deborah Meigs, Michael Lindsey, Hope Ledford, Jordan Legue, Ed Legue, Ashley Elver, Lincoln Carpenter, Karl Snow, and kneeling is Dylan Mason.

By Harrison Keely

Guest Writer

Revenge has never sounded so good. 9 to 5: The Musical (now on stage at the Peacock Performing Arts Center) follows three women who finally decide they've had enough of being overlooked, underestimated, and pushed around by their egotistical boss – and audiences get to enjoy every hilarious minute of it.

The musical is set to an unforgettable score by Dolly Parton and features a cast from communities across North Carolina and Georgia.

Young Harris resident Ashley Elver, who stars as Violet Newstead, says audiences will find plenty to love. "If you love musical comedies, Dolly Parton tunes, or good ol' girl power, this show is for you," Elver says. "It's a story about the ‘little guy’ fighting back.”

Lincoln Carpenter of Young Harris, who portrays Bob Enright, says “You will tap your feet to the infectious music, laugh at the sharp-witted comedy, and fall in love with the characters.”

Hayesville's Monya Seibert, who plays Margaret, believes nearly everyone will recognize part of themselves in the story. "If you've worked a few jobs in your lifetime, you've probably had a boss you'd like to deal with the way the ladies in 9 to 5 do!" she laughs.

Brasstown's Karl Snow, who appears as Violet's admirer, Joe, says the show's appeal extends well beyond the workplace. "Anyone who's ever felt overlooked or underestimated will connect with these characters,” he says. “You get to cheer for ordinary people finding the courage to stand up and change things."

Even the show's villain, Franklin Hart Jr., depicted by Hiawassee’s Ashley Eller, says audiences can expect a little bit of everything. “The show is energetic and full of moments that will have audiences laughing out loud," he says. "Hart is the kind of character everyone loves to hate, and that's part of what makes the story so entertaining."

Ryleigh Elver of Young Harris, who portrays outspoken office worker Maria, calls the production "easily one of the biggest and most exciting musicals I've ever been in. Anyone who comes to see it will definitely be in for a surprise!"

Rome, Georgia, actress Carli LeJeune says she loves the empowering message. “Who doesn't love Dolly Parton? 9 to 5 is definitely a show you won't want to miss."

9 to 5 runs August 7-9 and 14-16 at the Peacock Performing Arts Center, 301 Church St., Hayesville. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. For information, call 828-389-2787 or visit thepeacocknc.org.

Want to try acting yourself? Murphy’s Carrie Davis, who is part of 9 to 5’s ensemble, says she loves how welcoming the Peacock is, no matter how experienced or new an actor may be. Auditions for Sherlock Holmes: the Final Adventure will be Saturdays August 15 and 22 (10-1 p.m.) and Mon./Tues. Aug. 17-18 (6-8 p.m.). Scripts are available in the office.