2025 UPPER SCHOOL MUSICAL
9 to 5, the Musical
9 to 5, the Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Music and Lyrics by
DOLLY PARTON
Book
by
PATRICIA RESNICK
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009
Orchestrator Arrangements
BRUCE COUGHLIN
Additional Orchestrations
STEPHEN OREMUS & ALEX LACAMOIRE
ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
THE SHOW CONTAINS MATURE LANGUAGE, SIMULATED GUNSHOTS, AND COMEDY THAT MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUNGER AUDIENCES.
Director’s Note
Welcome to 9 to 5, the Musical! This show takes us back to a time when women in the workplace faced very different challenges than they do today. While times have (minimally) changed, the core message of this musical—the strength, resilience, and ingenuity of women—remains as relevant as ever.
Our production celebrates the bond between Violet, Judy, and Doralee, three women from different walks of life who find common ground in their shared experiences. We witness their determination to not only survive in a maledominated office but to truly thrive. They find power in their friendship and discover that by working together, they can achieve the changes they long for.
It’s important to acknowledge that 9 to 5 is a product of its time. While the show uses humor to address serious issues like workplace harassment, sexism, and unequal pay, we want to be clear: Franklin Hart Jr.’s behavior represents the very workplace toxicity this story confronts and overcomes. His behavior is presented as a catalyst for change, highlighting the unacceptable conditions many women faced, and still face, in society. This production aims to showcase the women’s response to his actions—their courage, their camaraderie, and their ultimate triumph over adversity.
This is a story about female empowerment, the importance of solidarity, and the enduring power of hope and humor in the face of injustice. We hope you enjoy the show!
Mariko Watt Director
A Note from the Performing Arts Department
With much humor and heart, 9 to 5 explores themes of solidarity and friendship as Judy, Doralee, and Violet support one another in their shared struggle for equality, dignity, and respect. Much like the characters in the show, high school students often navigate relationships, authority figures, and societal pressures that can make them feel overlooked or underestimated.
At its core, 9 to 5 is about finding your voice and standing up for yourself and others, a theme that resonates deeply in high school. Students may find themselves in situations where they are treated unfairly and face challenges like peer pressure, bullying, academic stress, or the struggle for recognition and respect.
This musical shows how the power of friendship can help overcome these obstacles. Just as the women in the show bond over their shared experiences and empower each other to take control of their lives, high school students form close-knit friendships that give them the courage to stand up for what’s right and face adversity head on. These friendships provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and a shared sense of purpose that are crucial when dealing with a variety of challenging situations.
Thank you for joining us as we share a story of resilience, empowerment, and solidarity, and celebrate our students for their incredible work.
Ashley Hacker Performing Arts Department Chair
Cast
Violet Newstead Ryan Geisler*
Doralee Rhodes ........................................................................................... Drew Waldman*
Judy Bernly Isabelle Gerling*
Franklin Hart, Jr Jasper Whiteley*
Roz Keith ....................................................................................................... Juliet Michaelis*
Dolly Parton/Kathy Stavi Gabriel*
Joe ......................................................................................................................... Griffin Allen*
Dick ...................................................................................................................Donald Shields*
Dwayne Isaac Wise
Margaret ............................................................................................................ Sophie Taylor*
Missy Hart Chloe Einaudi
Maria .......................................................................................................... Kailynn Hernandez
Josh Newstead ................................................................................................ Mick Waldman
Bob Enright Donald Shields*
Tinsworthy ................................................................................................................ Tyler Chan
Detective Tessa Cooper*
Doctor ........................................................................................................ Grayson Monacelli
Candy Striper ..................................................................................................... Carolina Lisk*
New Employee Maggie Cochran*
Cop............................................................................................................................... Hank Ford
Ensemble (Secretaries/Accountants)
Tyler Chan, Maggie Cochran*†, Tessa Cooper*†, Chloe Einaudi, Lucy
Fleishhacker, Kiera Kinnane, Carolina Lisk*, Grayson Monacelli, Aviva
Treister, Isaac Wise
FEATURED DANCERS
Nicolette Avdeychik, Jenesis Bartholomew, Akeelah Binns* (Dance Captain), Sarai Dudley (Principal Section Leader), Taylor Moore
SECRETARY CHORUS
Phoebe Allen, Celia Camara, Catherine Ferreira*, Maeve Flynn, Eliana Friedman, Isabelle Kelley, Alexandra Mezhburd, Sadie Schoenberger*
UNDERSTUDIES
Judy/Violet ............................................................................................. Kailynn Hernandez, Doralee/Roz Chloe Einaudi
Hart/Joe ..................................................................................................................... Isaac Wise
*Denotes Excellence in the Arts certificate program acceptance †Ensemble Dance Section Leaders
Production Staff
Director Mariko Watt
Musical Director ............................................................................................ Vincent Iannelli
Choreographer Sam Turner
Costume Designer Kim Griffin
Scenic Design .................................................................................................... Daniel Hogan
Lighting Design/Technical Director David Higham
Sound ............................................................................................................ Caitlin McMullen
Student Production
Assistant Director .............................................................................. Sadie Schoenberger*
Choreographer Assistants ..................................... Mia Pineda*, Nicolette Avdeychik
Stage Manager Annakaecia Clarke*
Run Crew .............................................................. Abigail Mangerson, Eliana Cochrane
Follow Spot Jamie Moniz, Abigail Jean, Layla Lloyd
Costumes ................................................................... Juliet Michaelis*, Madeline Gross*
Sound .............................................................. Quinn Marloe, Emma Gordon-MooPenn
Set Construction Quinn Marloe
Orchestra
Reed 1 Lisa Parrot
Reed 2 ................................................................................................................. Rob Randazzo
Trumpet 1 Joseph Loposky
Trumpet 2 .............................................................................................................. Orrin Wilson
Piano ........................................................................................................................ John Bowen
Keyboard Konatsu Iwai*
Guitar ................................................................................................................. Mike Pasipanki
Bass ......................................................................................................................... Andrew Hall
Drum Set Rob Garcia
Percussion .................................................................................................................. Scott Still
Meet the Production Staff
Mariko Watt (Director) has been directing shows and working with children’s theater across the Northeast for the past 12 years. An accomplished musician, Mariko has also worked as musical director and accompanist in various locations, as well as singing as a professional choral musician throughout New York City. Prior to Poly Prep, Mariko spent time teaching at the International School of Brooklyn, Brooklyn Children’s Theatre, Queens Theater, and taught for over 20 years in her own private vocal and acting studio. Favorite directing credits include: She Kills Monsters, The Prom, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Curtains, Sweet Charity, Legally Blonde, Freaky Friday, Suessical, Guys and Dolls, and Annie.
Vincent Iannelli (Musical Director) is enjoying yet another year working on the Upper School Musical at Poly Prep. This will mark his 17th show working as a Music Director for children’s theater in the NYC area. Vincent is in his second year at Poly as the Music Programs Coordinator and Choral Director. Outside of school hours, Vincent works as multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and producer and can be seen and heard in various venues across NYC.
Samuel Turner (Choreographer) began his training in music and dance during high school and later continued his studies at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. There, his mentors included Violette Verdy, Guillaume Graffin, Julie Kent, Jacques Cesbron, Iris Rosa, and George Pinney. During that time, he performed principal roles across the classical, contemporary, and AfroCaribbean diaspora repertoire. Returning to the East Coast, company credits include Mark Morris, Twyla Tharp, Linda Haberman, Graham Lustig, Elisa Monte, Jennifer Archibald, Lisa de Ribera, Tiffany Rea-Fisher, and Karen Gayle. His career has taken him on tours throughout North America and Europe, performing with The Metropolitan Opera, The Radio City Rockettes, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Dance Theatre, Cirque du Soleil, Roxey Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, and the Elisa Monte Dance Company. Sam is passionate about creating dynamic, thought-provoking choreography and fostering the next generation of dancers through rigorous training and artistic exploration. An American Ballet Theatre accredited teaching affiliate, he has developed and expanded artistic programs while staging original works for dancers at institutions including Bay Ridge Ballet, The Harlem School of the Arts, The Joffrey Ballet School, Ballet Tech School, American Youth Dance Theater, TAG Young Scholars, STEPS on Broadway Youth, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Ballet Theater, and Princeton Ballet School.
Kim Griffin (Costume Designer) has designed for theater, musicals, dance, and opera; collaboration with directors, the design team, and the actors is integral to her process from beginning to end. Kim has worked at theaters, including the Williamstown Theatre Festival, New Jersey Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Houston’s Theatre Under the Stars, The Ohio Light Opera, Stageworks Theatre, Boomerang Theatre Company, Opera in the Heights, and The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston. She has toured with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Legends Blue Unit and has stitched for The Met Gala, Broadway shows, and national tours. She has also designed for Theatre for Young Audiences tours, along with university and high school productions. Kim is originally from Houston, Texas and earned her BFA in Theatre Design & Technology with a minor in Music from Baylor University and an MFA in Costume Design from Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. As part of the fulfillment of her master’s degree at MGSA, she studied at Rutgers Conservatory at Shakespeare’s Globe, and The School of Historical Dress in London, England.
Daniel Patrick Hogan (Scenic/Set Designer) has designed scenery, props, hair, and makeup for numerous productions. As a scenic designer, his favorite projects include; Little Shop of Horrors, The Seafarer, The Pirates of Penzance, In the Heights, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and A Doll’s House. Recently, Daniel designed scenery for The Wallace Theatre’s production of Sweeney Todd He created an immersive, multi-levelled set that placed the audience in between different locations. His design utilized existing elements of the derelict Wallace Theatre and offered a unique viewing experience for each audience member. Daniel thoroughly enjoys transforming found spaces and designing new works.
David Higham (Lighting Designer & Technical Director) is in his 33rd year at Poly, where he has been responsible for designing the lighting, sound, and scenery for over 170 productions. In addition to his work at Poly, Mr. Higham has designed lighting for productions at The Public Theatre, Lincoln Center, the Irish Arts Center, The Women’s Project, The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, and The National Shakespeare Company, among others. Mr. Higham also has worked as a lighting designer for several New York City architectural and landscape design firms.
Sadie Schoenberger ’25 (Assistant Director) feels very bittersweet as she assistant directs her final musical at Poly, a role she’s adored since Grade 10. This journey has been an incredible learning experience thanks to the mentorship and guidance of Ms. Watt. Alongside assistant directing, she serves as the Vice President of Student Government and Editor-in-Chief of the Polygon. She also recently co-directed the Afternoon of Student Choreography. Outside of Poly, Sadie has applied her skills by producing several short films, often collaborating with Poly student actors on her projects. Returning to her “performing roots,” Sadie is excited to be a part of the vocal ensemble for this show!
Our Production Would Not Be Possible without the Generous Support of:
John Rankin
Interim Head of School
Michal Hershkovitz P’16, ’18
Assistant Head of School, Academics
Sarah Bates Head of Upper School
Michael S. Robinson Head of Arts
Ashley Hacker Performing Arts Department Chair
The members of the Performing Arts faculty, the Engagement & Communications Department, the Admissions Department, the Poly Prep IT Staff, the Facilities and Maintenance Department, the Security Staff, the Kitchen Staff, and the Upper School Deans.
Please follow our new Poly Prep ARTS social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for all-things-art at Poly featuring students Nursery–Grade 12.
Join Us for These Upcoming Performing Arts Events
Annual Spring Dance Concert
RICHARD PERRY THEATRE
Thursday & Friday, April 10 & 11, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Spring Arts Vocal Concert MEMORIAL CHAPEL
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Special Reunion Showcase PAC TERRACE
Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 1:00 PM
Spring Arts Festival
Thursday, May 1, 2025
VISUAL ARTS | 6:00 PM | PAC GALLERY
INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT | 7:00 PM | MEMORIAL CHAPEL
Speech and Debate Showcase
JOSEPH DANA ALLEN LIBRARY
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 4:00 PM & 6:10 PM
Middle School Musical: Disney’s Newsies Jr.
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Book by Harvey Fierstein
RICHARD PERRY THEATRE
Friday, May 16, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 2:00 PM
Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming events!