While walking into the backstage section of the theater, affectionately called the Bat Cave by members of the Coppell High School “9 to 5: The Musical” cast and crew, you’ll find along the side of the entrance a number of bright orange pieces of paper, covered in dozens of diverse scribbles.
Called the Positivity Wall, each paper has the names of members of the company, and is a space for thespians to write words of support and encouragement to others. It is a way for the group to get excited and inspired, and to share kindness. On these orange sheets, are recollections of past show memories, inside jokes and references to the “9 to 5” script. It is one of many ways the group finds time to bond and express their gratitude for one another in the hectic time frame of rehearsals.
On Saturday, the Cowboy Theatre Company opened its spring musical, “9 to 5: The Musical,” based off of the popular film starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The story follows three women working in a toxic work environment, who decide to get revenge on their sexist, egotistical boss.
Walking down F hall of CHS, music seeps into the hallway coming from the green room. It is a room of chaos where members of the cast huddle in front of large bulb-lit mirrors to get ready before shows and rehearsals. With counters and tables covered in costumes, wigs, hair rollers, curling irons and makeup, it’s a room full of light, music and laughter.
Senior Olivia Willey plays Doralee Rhodes, one of the lead roles.
“I think this is the most work I’ve put in for a character ever,” Willey said. “She’s based on Dolly Parton, and I would stay up watching interviews, observing how she speaks and how she acts. I feel like this show has a really good message on female empowerment, and I love how each of the leads have very different, distinct personalities and all kind of represent different forms of femininity.”
She, like many cast members, found a home on the stage, and among her peers.
“Everyone here gets so close with one another. I believe that a big part of acting is who you are acting with,” Willey said. “I’m very lucky to be in a cast with a lot of really amazing, talented people.”
Similar can be said about junior J McGill, who plays Franklin Hart Jr., the “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigot boss” of the three leads. But his character’s personality do not deter him from wanting to perfect the role.
“My character is so different from who I am as a person, so I decided to watch the movie and try to take on some of the mannerisms,” McGill said. “I also play for the school’s soccer team, and I tried to observe some of their movements and masculinity. Everyone in the company has been very uplifting and reassuring which makes me feel more confident.”
With a cast and crew spanning across school campuses and grades, it is no surprise that their passions within the program lie in different areas, too. For junior costume designer Jonas Rogers, his choice of focus is not being in the limelight, but making those who are, shine brighter.
“What drives me is my interest in fashion, and being able to include my own twist into what I’m making,” Rogers said.
For “9 to 5,” he dedicated the past few months to making all things involving wardrobe for the musical run smoothly.
“I’ve said this to all of my friends, I feel like lately I’m doing theater with a side of school,” Rogers said. “All my free time and energy is directed towards theater, the designs and executions, and just bringing the costumes to life.”
For the theater department, this production, like the many before it, is not just an opportunity to show off its skills as performers, storytellers, and production creativity, but a chance to bond.
“9 to 5” is sure to be an incredible experience, not just for those watching, but for those who brought it to life too.
“9 to 5,” is playing in the Coppell High School Auditorium Friday to Sunday. You can find the tickets at this link.
Follow @CHSCampusNews on X.
