Calling all Dolly Parton lovers; get ready to have some catchy tunes stuck in your head. On Wednesday, April 19, Portage High School (PHS) held a dress rehearsal to prepare for its upcoming performances of Dolly Parton’s hit musical “9 to 5.” Students danced and sang their hearts out in preparation for what is sure to be a unique and unforgettable production.
When choosing this year’s spring musical, Director Lisa Mahaffa Thompson wanted to find something that would make the audience roll in their seats with laughter but also have some meaning and weight. “9 to 5” was a perfect choice.
“We wanted to do a show that was completely different from anything we had done before. Even though it’s set in the 1970s, ‘9 to 5’ is pretty apt when it comes to racism and sexism and the intersection of those things today in 2023. Portage High School has a very diverse group of students and each student brings their own unique thing to the stage. I feel like this show represents us well,” said Mahaffa Thompson.
Senior Nyasia Reynolds, who plays Violet in the show, was excited to bring a story to life that touches on such important issues.
“A lot of people think that racism and sexism and homophobia have mellowed down since the time this show takes place, but these things are all still around today. By putting on a show that deals with racism and sexism and homophobia, we’re shedding light on these issues and giving people an opportunity to reflect,” said Reynolds.
The students have worked hard and practiced for months to properly tell this tale. During the rehearsal, their dedication was evident as they ran through single scenes countless numbers of times to make sure they were absolutely perfect. Mahaffa Thompson is proud of all her students and all the effort they’ve put in to make the show a success.
“I’ve loved working with them and seeing them all be their silly, goofy selves. This show is put on entirely by the students – the spotlight operator, the costume director, the makeup artist, the sound operator, you name it. Everything is done by the students,” said Thompson.
While preparing for the show, the students learned a lot about themselves. Senior Martha Brabo, who plays Roz in the show, explained that she’s gained a lot of confidence just by developing her character. The students have truly taken “9 to 5” into their own hands and put their own unique twist on it.
“In the original production of ‘9 to 5’ and many adaptations, Roz is always just the snitch. There’s not a lot of depth to her, and I really wanted to give her more character. I feel like I’ve given her so much more personality. I’ve loved taking the lines that are normally snootier and changing them to make her come off as more human and relatable,” said Brabo.
The students have also learned a lot about teamwork. While developing the show, the kids worked together to create some of their own dances rather than just do all of the choreography that has already been done before. They had a blast bouncing ideas off of one another and learning together as a family.
“Being friends with everyone and working with them has been the best. The finished product is going to be amazing to see. We’ve come so far since we started and it’s just amazing. We’ve worked really hard,” said Senior Joe Jaskiewicz.
The students can’t wait for the community to come out and see the show they’ve poured so much of themselves into. Performances will be held in PHS’ East Auditorium on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22 at 7 p.m. So, after your own 9 to 5, come on out and enjoy this wonderful performance. It’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you think, and it’ll leave you feeling ready to take on the world.
“It’s a very funny show, but it’s also very meaningful. It demonstrates trust, it demonstrates friendship, it demonstrates compassion. It makes people feel empowered, especially women, and I want the community to come out and see just how powerful women are,” said Reynolds.
To learn more about Portage High School, visit phs.portage.k12.in.us.