So with a storyline about “three underdogs who face so much disempowerment and injustice, wrapped up in a fantastic musical comedy”, it’s hardly a surprise 9 To 5 has been a hit in Australia.After stints in Sydney and Brisbane – and extensive Covid delays – Dolly Parton’s stage show has finally started its much-anticipated Melbourne run. And Erin Clare, who plays the role made famous by the country music megastar in the 1980 film of the same name, couldn’t be more excited.RELATED: How 9 To 5 star Casey Donovan fought back from catfish ‘trauma’“Melbourne is the heart and soul of where theatre is thriving at the moment,” Clare said.“And it’s been a long time coming since we were meant to be at the Arts Centre – two and a half years since I was first cast.”Clare said despite it being inspired the 40-year-old film of the same name, 9 To 5 remained “timely”.“And it’s going to be until women are paid the same, until we have equal rights,” she said.“But it’s really a universal story not just for women, but for the underdogs.”Clare’s Doralee Rhodes teams up with fellow underdogs Casey Donovan’s Judy Bernly and Marina Prior’s Violet Newstead to go head-to-head with their controlling supervisor, played by Eddie Perfect, and his loyal assistant, portrayed by Caroline O’Connor.Clare said working out how to “get the essence of Dolly without doing a caricature of her” was her “big challenge” after taking on the role.“But I love speaking in the accent, I personally believe she has the best wardrobe in the show with clashing prints, power shoulder pads and bold colours, and I’ve got a great wig,” she said. “It’s a really fun gig.”Getting to perform Parton’s autobiographical country tune, Backwoods Barbie, has been another highlight.“She wrote the show’s entire score, and when you hear the music, (you’re aware of) how talented she is as a songwriter,” she said.“You’ve got Broadway moments, my whole sound palette is very country, then there’s a real … belter from Casey that tears the roof off every night.”9 To 5 is playing the Arts Centre Melbourne’s State Theatre until September 18. Tickets: 9to5themusical.com.au
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