Marina Prior joins Aussie cast of Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5 The Musical

Opera and musical theatre star Marina Prior will play the ultra-efficient Violet New­stead in the Australian premiere of the musical based on the 1980 breakthrough film 9 To 5, in which Dolly Parton co-starred with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

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It’s impertinent to ask a great Australian performer like ­Marina Prior what she’s like at shorthand and typing.

But knowing she’s been cast as a secretary in Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5 The Musical, it feels like a fair question.

Prior’s answer is a snort.

“No, I would be sacked ­immediately,” she said.

“I have no office skills. I have trouble opening attachments on my computer.”

Samantha Dodemaide, Caroline O'Connor, Erin Clare, Marina Prior will star in 9 to 5 The Musical. Picture: Peter Brew Bevan

Despite being a “two finger typist”, Prior will play the ultra-efficient Violet New­stead in the Australian premiere of the musical based on the 1980 breakthrough film 9 To 5, in which Parton co-starred with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

The musical opens at Sydney Lyric Theatre in April 2020 with Prior’s friend Caroline O’Connor in the comic role of Roz Keith, the administration assistant who is fiercely and unrequitedly in love with Franklin Hart Jr, the women’s horrible boss.

Samantha Dodemaide will be Judy Bernly, a newly-separated young woman in her very first job. And Erin Clare will play Doralee Rhodes, a fresh but feisty country girl who was played by Parton in the film.

The original 9 to 5 movie cast members (from left) Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda. Picture: 20th Century Fox Film Corp

Prior’s character Violet is smart and sassy but the misogynist Hart constantly ignores her for promotion. Most of Hart’s time is spent chasing after Doralee. But don’t worry, the women in the office take revenge. And it’s not subtle.

Prior says 9 To 5 will be a great break for younger performers Dodemaide and Clare.

“I haven’t worked with Erin and Sam but I’m aware of these incredibly talented, beautiful young women and I’m excited to see them get a really great break,” Prior said.

Buy tickets to the show at 9to5themusical.com.au

Originally published as Marina Prior joins Aussie cast of Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5 The Musical