Wakefield Theatre Company’s spring musical 9 to 5, a musical adaptation of the 1980 film of the same title, will soon be hitting the stage. This high energy musical comedy will be the largest scale show of the 2014-2015 season. 9 to 5 is filled with challenging music, dancing, and a whole lot of laughs. This show holds more than just jokes and high belting, there is a strong message.

“This show is a reminder of the women’s struggle in the seventies and eighties, and second-wave feminism,” said Carrey Hanrahan. Hanrahan, as a creator of the Female Empowerment Club, is an avid activist for women’s right.  The show follows three women in an office and explores different ways women are treated unfairly. While this show is a “period piece”, because it is set specifically in 1979, the theme can still be found relevant today.

“It [9 to 5] really makes you think, have things changed for women since the early eighties,” said Shelby Barros, who is cast in the role of Judy, a newly single girl off to work for the first time.

While most often memorization can prove to be difficult, for this play actors feel challenged by the music.

“The most difficult part is memorization, as always, but for this show specifically, is the music,” said Barros. “This music is the most difficult music my colleagues and I have ever done.”

The music for 9 to 5 was all written by Dolly Parton herself. The music is greatly authentic to the story because it was written by Dolly who was part of the original film. Each song has its own story filled with difficult key changes, high notes and seven part harmonies.

“I have never been in a show that is so big, with so much acting, singing and dancing,” said Hanrahan.

Due to the missed school days because of weather and since the show is so big, it almost did not happen. After missing upwards of five rehearsals, the cast had to recuperate and find a solution. In the end, the show dates are now moved and the cast and crew has put their work in to high gear.

“To get all of the departments to work in synch with each other is difficult,” said Spencer Hart, head technician for the show. In every show there are many moving parts from the cast, director, orchestra, and costume crew, to name just a few.  The show on stage is a product of many departments work all blended together. It is a truly cohesive art form.

Every show rests on the shoulders of the cast and crew. Every part, whether in the ensemble or running lights, every gear to the clock is equally important.

“There are a lot of hard times but, it always comes together,” said Hart.