Deborah Dorman
Taking on new challenges for the next new year, Theater at the Ranch, Robson Ranch’s resident production company, will present the musical “9 to 5” from Jan. 29, 2026, through Feb. 1, 2026.
This musical comedy, written by Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick, is based on the movie of the same name, and licensed by Music Theater International. Set in the late 70’s, it presents the story of three women who decide to take on their chauvinist boss, and in doing so find their own voices and talents, as well as forming a strong friendship. While some may consider the concept of downtrodden secretaries and misogynist bosses a “period piece,” women’s rights in the workplace and elsewhere are still contentious all these years later. The show is broad comedy with an important underlying message about equality, as Dolly Parton intended. Her title song became something of an anthem for working women.
The initial production team consists of Deborah Dorman, Producer and Director; Lisa Hunt, Musical Director; Diane Cronin, Conductor; Nora Shelton, Accompanist; and Linda Wheeler, Costumer. More announcements will be made as the team expands. Auditions will be held in early November. There are four major women’s roles, one major male role, two other important men’s roles, and a flexible number of ensemble roles for both genders. There will be five performances, from Jan. 29 through Feb.1, including matinees on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets will go on sale in December, at $13 for opening night, $15 for all other performances (in advance), and $20 at the door for all performances.
This will be the fourth production for Theater at the Ranch, following “Sylvia,” “Big Guns or Whose Little Lily Is She?”, and “Calendar Girls.” Auditions are open to all residents of Robson Ranch, and performances are open to the community at large.
We would particularly like to hear from potential choreographers and musicians. All cast and crew positions are volunteer. Schedules are set after the crew positions and casting are complete, but generally consist of two or three rehearsals per week in November, with a break for Thanksgiving week; three rehearsals per week in December, with a break for the holidays; and three or more rehearsals per week (all hands on deck) in January. Is it hard work? Yes, because our standards are high. Is it immensely fun and satisfying? Yes, because, especially in retirement, we rarely get that enormous sense of accomplishment that putting on a show can provide. We strive to create a team–a family–that provides opportunities for learning, creativity, teamwork, and a bit of magic.
For more information, or to join the production team, please email Deborah Dorman at deborahdorm@gmail.com.