Peacock’s behind-the-scenes crew clocks in for “9 to 5 The Musical”

(Photo by Pam Roman) Peacock crew member Jim Oliver holds an image of David Heslin (absent to attend the birth of his first grandchild), followed by stage managers Michele Legue, Ali Whitlock, and Kay Thomas.

By Harrison Keely

Guest Writer

While audiences attending 9 to 5 The Musical at Hayesville’s Peacock Performing Arts Center this August will be dazzled by lively musical numbers, colorful costumes and fast-paced comedy, behind the curtain, stage managers and crew are coordinating dozens of scene changes, technical cues and backstage movements to keep the production running seamlessly.

“This show is different from past shows because of its pacing,” stage manager Ali Whitlock of Hayesville says. “There are lots of songs, scene changes and moving pieces that all work together, as well as a very large cast and ensemble.”

Based on the hit 1980 film and featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 follows three women who band together to take on an overbearing boss. Whitlock says audiences can expect “big musical numbers, big set pieces, big costumes,” and plenty of energy from the cast.

One of the production’s biggest backstage challenges is managing more than 20 scene transitions as the story moves between offices, homes and other locations. To prepare, the crew has been rehearsing with detailed models of the set created by director Laurel Adams. The models help cast and crew visualize and practice complicated scene shifts before moving full-size scenery.

Stage manager Michele Legue of Murphy says the production’s size makes it especially demanding. “There are a lot more cast members and the backstage will be very busy,” she says. Many of the scenery pieces are mounted on casters, allowing crews to quickly move them on and off stage.

The technical side of the production presents its own challenges. David Heslin of Hayesville, who works in the control booth, will be mixing sound for his first Peacock musical featuring both the theater’s new wireless microphone system and a live orchestra.

“The orchestra will be the biggest challenge to balance with the performers,” Heslin says. “That said, the new microphones will make that challenge way easier to deal with.”

Additional stage manager Kay Thomas of Hiawassee brings approximately 15 years of experience with the Peacock to the production.

Together, the backstage team’s planning, coordination, and technical expertise ensure that audiences get to enjoy seeing the cast at work without seeing the hard work happening behind the scenes.

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.