Hello Dolly! 9 to 5 musical comes to Ballina

Dolly Parton’s hit musical 9 to 5 will come to life in Ballina over the next few weeks, with community-based amateur theatre group Ballina Players performing the show at its Swift Street theatre.

9 to 5 director Liz Van Eck said the idea to put on the show, which is based on the 1980s film with music and lyrics written by Parton, came to her when one of the songs played on her Spotify list.

“It encouraged me to look into it and listen to the other songs, which really drew me in to learn about the show,” she said.

Van Eck said she had come to love all the songs in the show.

“I Just Might is a beautiful, moving piece; Heart to Hart is filled with comedy and passion, while Change It is motivational and uplifting,” she said.

A cast of 28 people will take to the stage, supported by a production team, crew and front of house staff.

Daina Hogan stars as Violet Newstead, Candace Baldwin as Judy Bernly, and Carly Hebbard as Doralee Rhodes – the role made famous by Parton.

“This is Daina’s first show with our company, but she has a bachelor in theatre and education and runs her own performing arts school,” Van Eck said. “Candace has been with us for many years and in this show she is not only one of our leading ladies, she is also our choreographer.

“Carly has been involved in dancing and singing since she was a child and has performed on our stage and others many times, even winning an award for best supporting actress in the Gold Coast Theatre Awards.”

While many of the costumes are sourced or adapted from the theatre group’s wardrobe, others are made or sourced by costume director Kim Green.

“Our cast have also sourced various items themselves online, from op shops or their personal wardrobes,” Van Eck said.

9 to 5 is on at Ballina Players Theatre from November 8 until December 1.

For more information and tickets, head to ballinaplayers.com.au/performances