Encore Presentation
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss.
In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s. this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.
Cast
WENDY WEANT (Violet Newstead) is delighted to return to the LST stage with 9 to 5 ! Previous productions include Next to Normal (Diana), Little Women (Aunt March), and several of LST’s Cabaret series. At Piedmont Players shows include Mamma Mia (Tanya), The Producers (Shirley), Cabaret (Fr. Schneider), Cats, Chicago, Hairspray (Velma) and Chess (Florence). She grew up in Miami, graduated from FSU (B.S. Business), and enjoyed a career as a performer; highlights include Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Annie Get Your Gun (Nat’l Tour), A Chorus Line (Cassie), and in a myriad of musicals in regional theaters nationwide. She and her husband Drew moved to Salisbury to raise their three kids, Ginny, Katie, and Bobby (now amazing young adults). Currently Wendy is a “Female CEO” of her own robust financial services firm, Insight Financial Partners. She is particularly elated to be performing with her talented daughter Katie Weant, and dedicates this performance in loving memory of her father Richard Piper, who loved music and singing for 93 years. “Shine Like the Sun” Daddy!
BAILEY LAMBERT (Doralee Rhodes) is a graduate of Central Piedmont Community College, where she received an Associate in Fine Arts with a Music Emphasis. There she was vocally trained in Classical, Baroque, and many other eras of music. This training involved learning to sing in different languages, and performing in countless recitals and concerts, including the Operas Elixir of Love, La Boheme, and Bel Canto Can Belto. She recently performed in Piedmont Players Theatre’s production of Cinderella, and was cast as a Geminae Twin in their production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (which was unfortunately cancelled). Bailey currently works as a Population Health Medical Assistant, and is a very active member of her church. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband Daniel and their five furry children. Growing up an Army brat, Bailey enjoys shooting guns and learning survival techniques from her dad. She also loves reading, collecting shoes and swords, working out, and being with her ever growing family.
ELIZABETH RUIZ (Judy Bernly) is thrilled to be joining the cast of the musical 9 to 5! Elizabeth’s previous experience includes Grease (Ensemble), Seussical Jr (Bird Girl), Aladdin Jr (Jasmine), Shrek Jr (Fiona), Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Fiddler on the Roof (Golde), Once Upon a Crime (Mama Bear), Women in Congress (Ensemble), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Panacea). Took singing lessons at Charlotte Academy of Music. While also participating for the National Junior Festivals, rating as Superior. She has also participated in Matthews's Tree Lighting Christmas Festivals. Elizabeth is currently working on her B.F.A in Musical Theater at Catawba College. She would like to thank her family for their unconditional love and support, her friends and boyfriend for their limitless encouragement, and lastly her singing lessons teacher Tomeka Leaphart for teaching her to sing with the heart.
BILL REILLY (Franklin Hart Jr.) lives in Huntersville and works at Davidson College. He has appeared in Shipwrecked, The Diary of Anne Frank, Doubt, and For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday, on the Lee St. stage. He studied theatre at the Universities of Rhode Island and Virginia. He now flies from his “empty nest”, acting in several productions with the Davidson Community Players, The Warehouse Performing Arts Center, Three Bone Theatre, Brand New Sheriff Productions, XOXO, and more. This is his 2nd musical, having appeared as Harry Bright, in DCP’s Mamma Mia last summer.
CASSANDRA BARRIER (Roz Keith) Cassandra is thrilled to be back at Lee Street, this time playing the office snitch Roz! 3 years ago, she played the Witch in Lee Street’s Big Fish, and since then has had fun portraying the “subdued” [wink, wink] roles of Shirley (Disaster), Ruth DiMarco (Ruthless), Sister Hubert (Nunsense), and Joanne (Company). She is thankful for the opportunity to work with the cast and production team lead by Raquel. As always, she is grateful for her family’s support and encouragement. Cassandra dedicates her performance to the phenomenal woman who taught her how to be a fun-loving, red hot mama: her very own fun-loving, red hot mama, Barbara Lockert. She thanks her for her unending love and support, and will carry that with her forever and always.
Joey Moray is very excited to be a part of Lee Street Theatre’s production of 9 to 5! He was last seen on stage in Bright Star (Jimmy Ray) at The Green Room Community Theatre and would have starred in Theatre Statesville’s April production of The Music Man (Harold Hill). Other recent credits include Memphis (Huey Calhoun), Rock of Ages (Lonny), Beauty and the Beast (Beast), Young Frankenstein (The Monster), Side Show (Terry) at Genesius Theatre in Reading, PA and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Barfee) at First Street Players in Birdsboro, PA. In September 2017, he performed in Star of the Day’s award-winning production of Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical (John Utterson). He has a BFA in Acting from Shenandoah Conservatory with a minor in Voice and Piano. He sends a big thank you to his fiancée Simmon, and all his friends and family in attendance of these performances. @datsamoray
GARRETT JENNINGS (Josh/Ensemble) Garrett Jennings is a sophomore at Catawba College. He is pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater with a minor in Communications. Garrett is a veteran of the Norvell and Meroney theatres but this is his first show at Lee Street theatre. Some of his favorite roles include Mr. Fulton (HSM 2), Julius Caesar (Julius Caesar), and Polonius (Hamlet). Garrett was most recently seen as Billy Cane in Catawba’s production of Bright Star.
HAYDEN WAUGH (Dwayne/Detective/Ensemble) looks at numbers and Power Points for his “9 to 5” job, but is a theater nerd by night. Most of his theater experience has been watching from the audience, but he's recently been blessed to get on stage in local community productions. He was recently seen in the ensemble of Davidson Community Players' production of Mamma Mia, and chasing paper boys around as Schneider in Hickory Community Theater's production of Newsies. He's excited to make his debut on the Lee St. Theater stage, especially after a season of hardship in both the local community, and the world at large. He’d like to thank Jesus for walking him out of his comfort zone, and for the opportunity to put some smiles on people’s faces through this fun story.
SARAH FARRA (Missy/Ensemble) is thrilled to be joining the team of 9 to 5 for her first production with Lee Street and even more excited to be sharing the stage with some of her favorite actors. She’s had the honor of hosting and emceeing events, performing in Mamma Mia, Boeing Boeing, Spamalot, and First Date to name a few. 2020 has been a tad crazy for everyone, so being able to focus on a passion, learn some new songs, put on some dance shoes, and shred the sweat pants will be a highlight of her summer. When she is not rehearsing for a show, you can find her singing praises at church, opening amazon boxes and hiding them, trying to keep up with her sons, going on long walks, brushing all 3 of her fur babies, testing out new escape rooms, “Marco Polo”ing her girlfriends, losing at Settlers of Catan, or debating anything with the Handsome Hubby. She cannot wait for August to support this talented 9 to 5 Cast and Crew. Thank you all for supporting local arts and see you when the Curtain Rises!
LAUREN STEPHENSON (Maria/Ensemble/Judy Understudy) Meet Lauren Stephenson. By day, she is a mental health counselor at Catawba College and St. John’s Lutheran Church... by night, she sings with The Moonglows, PPT/Lee St theatre, any karaoke bar, and in her shower. She is also a proud mama of two wild little men, Emmett (7) and Jeffrey (10), and a die-hard Dallas Cowboys and Wake Forest Demon Deacon fan. Lauren is pumped to sing and dance the night away with this bright, energetic cast in 9 to 5. Enjoy!
NUNNA NOE (Kathy/Ensemble/Doralee Understudy) Nunna Noe is a Senior at Catawba College, pursuing a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and a minor in Sociology. Some of her favorite previous credits include Lucy Grant in Catawba’s production of Bright Star and an ensemble member and co-deviser in the world-premiere of a new play, The Space Between. This upcoming year, she will serve as Vice President of the Blue Masque, Catawba’s theatre club. She is also a proud member of Catawba’s Improv Team, Where Are the Diamonds, and she is currently working on an Honors thesis that mixes devised theatre work with genocidal studies. She is beyond excited to be able to work with such a talented cast and crew to present a story full of heart and laughter! She sincerely hopes you enjoy the show!
ALLISON PROBA (Intern/Ensemble) is excited to be bringing her singing talent to the Lee Street Theatre as the intern and a member of the ensemble for 9 to 5. Previous work with Lee Street includes The Eight-Reindeer Monologues (Blitzen), Crimes of the Heart (Chick) and the 10 by 10 Play Festival (Narrator, Waitress). Allison performs at multiple theatres in the area and serves on the board of directors for Old Courthouse Theatre in Concord. When not in stage, she likes to hand out with her furbabies: Lyla, Kia, Shelby, and Arwen. Thanks to all my friends and family for their support! Enjoy the show!
MIKE CLINE (Tinsworthy) When I became involved in Salisbury live theatre, the footlights were candles. Not really, but it was way back in 1974. Since then, I've appeared in close to twenty-five productions and worked behind the scenes for, at least, a dozen more. The roles I performed which are my favorites are Uncle Max in The Sound of Music, Bob Ewell in To Kill A Mockingbird and Pappy Yokum in Li’l Abner. I am excited we are reopening Lee Street theatre with 9 to 5, with an incredible cast. And I'm looking forward to doing a scene with Bill Reilly. Thanks, Raquel Oden, for casting me.
MATTHEW WINDSOR Matthew Windsor (Bob/Featured Dancer/Ensemble) has recently graduated Catawba College as a BFA Musical Theatre major with a minor in Music. He was recently involved in a live-streamed, online production of The Importance Of Being Earnest, starring as the title character John/Ernest Worthing. Outside of Lee Street Theatre he was most recently involved in PPT’s production of Shakespeare In Love and Catawba’s production of Bright Star, as Ned Alleyn and Dr. Norquist, respectively. He is very grateful for all the opportunities he has had a chance to be a part of during this ongoing pandemic. He is thankful to be a part of this wonderful and hilarious show and to be working with so many talented artists.
CALEB SMITH (Cop/Ensemble) The first show Caleb did was Phantom of the Opera, needless to say that was enough to get him hooked on live theater. Now he’s moving to New York as soon as he can afford it. He graduated from Covenant Day School in 2019 and has since then been putting all of his effort into acting and theater. To make ends meet and save up a little money, he’s a freelance contractor taking jobs wherever he can. He first started by building sets in high school, but once he graduated he decided to apply his skills to make some money. He’s worked on sets for four shows and he quite enjoys it. He believes that being involved in as many aspects of a show as possible creates greater satisfaction and increases the total sentimental value attached to the show. He hopes to sharpen his skills both on and off the stage as an actor and a carpenter.
KATIE WEANT (Candy Striper/Ensemble/Featured Dance Ensemble) Graduate from UNCG is a New York City based performer credits include: Chicago, Hairspray, West Side Story, Curtains, and Little Mermaid. She is happy to have a safe place to quarantine in her home town of Salisbury,NC and to be able to perform on the stage again.
SHARON FOSTER (Ensemble) Sharon Foster was born on March 3, 1988 and raised in Landis, North Carolina. She currently resides in Kannapolis. Sharon loves singing and performing but ultimately loves making others happy. “9 to 5” is Sharon’s third production with Lee Street Theatre and feels immensely blessed to be a part of this wonderful cast and crew! Sharon has also been cast in the musical, Mamma Mia! with Davidson Community Players in 2019 as an ensemble member. Her favorite role to date, however, was her breakout role in 2018 as Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias with Lee Street Theatre, and is the reason this place and these people will always have a special place in Sharon’s heart. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her dreams and encouraging bravery to step out of her box to try new things which ultimately led her here. Enjoy the show!
BETH BENTLEY (Margaret/Ensemble) lives in Salisbury, with her husband and three children. She has a masters in Library Science from UNCG, but currently enjoying the role of a stay-home parent. She played Mrs Shears in Lee Street's Livestream of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Simon Stephens’, and the terrorized Myra Bruhl in Deathtrap, by Ira Levin. Before that, she strapped on a corset and revolver as LucyGale, in St Thomas Players production of Shiloh Rules by Doris Baizley. Along with acting, Beth has loved volunteering on the technical side of productions, especially if it involves costumes."
ELIZA SMITH (Ensemble) is an accountant by day, actor by night. Most recently she appeared in PPT’s production of Neil Simon’s comedy Rumors as Claire Ganz. She made her stage debut in 2018 in PPT’s The Producers as Mrs. Marks and ensemble. In June 2019 she made her LST debut as Meg Barton in Shiloh Rules and acted in 3 plays at LST’s 10x10-minute festival in September. She also played The Ghost of Christmas Future and Belle in Scrooge’s Christmas Trolley Tour last winter. When she’s not on the stage, Eliza loves cooking and baking from scratch, working towards an eco-friendly lifestyle, livestreaming church in her pajamas, and reading.
KRISTIN SWILLEY (Ensemble) Kristin is making her debut with the Lee Street Theatre in 9 to 5. She has previously appeared in Cinderella with Piedmont Players and was cast as a Geminae Twin in their production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which was unfortunately cancelled. During the day, Kristin is a high school educator with a BA in History from UNCC and is currently completing an MA in History at UNCC. She began performing as a guard member in 2008 and found her passion on the field and on the stage, having marched and danced with various high schools, as well as Catawba College. Today, Kristin is a High School Color Guard Instructor, as well as an instructor for the Charlotte Pride Band. She is a proud mom to daughter Elle and life partner to Tyler Steinberg.
ALICE RICH (Doctor/Ensemble) is excited and grateful to perform in her first musical with Lee Street Theatre. She is thrilled to sing the songs of one of her biggest role models, Dolly Parton. You saw Alice most recently as part of the virtual show Motherhood Out Loud in addition to last seasons’ The Cake, Blithe Spirit and The Eight Reindeer Monologues. She has also performed with St. Thomas Players and Piedmont Players. Some of her favorite productions include; The Diary of Anne Frank, Next Fall, and Noises Off. She would like to thank this amazing production team and this group of talented actors for their love, support, and grace in these new and strange times. Alice could not do anything without her friends, this community, and especially her wonderful husband, Ryan, and the two awesome humans, Eve and Sam who call her mom.
Production Staff
RAQUEL ODEN has been involved in theater for over 25 years. She started on stage in the Los Angeles Children’s Theater when she was just 5 years old. Since then she has performed onstage and been a part of all facets of backstage from Los Angeles, CA to New Orleans, LA and now Salisbury, NC. She has worked as a professional Prop Mistress, Stage Manager, Music Director, Assistant Director, Production Manager, Set Designer and Director. Some of her favorite musical productions she has worked on include Tuck Everlasting, Annie, Little Shop of Horrors, and Young Frankenstein. She is thrilled to be a part of this female empowering classic led by an all female production team! She would like to thank her husband Rod and children for allowing her the opportunities to be a part of community theatre.