Allison Janney Set To Work “9 To 5”
According to this report in Variety, the musical version of the movie “9 to 5,” with original songs by Dolly Parton, is premiering next fall at the Center Theater Group’s Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles. Allison Janney (pictured) will play the role originated by Lily Tomlin in the 1980 movie; her costars will be Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty, and Marc Kudisch. The story concerns three secretaries who take revenge on their chauvinist boss. Joe Mantello will direct.
What the Variety story doesn’t say is the effect that Janney’s participation will have on the revival of Lillian Hellman‘s “The Autumn Garden,” which had an acclaimed production last summer at the Williamstown Theater Festival and was eyeing Broadway, possibly in a Roundabout theatre. I don’t see any reason why the Hellman drama still couldn’t make it to New York. Janney’s role is only one part in what is essentially an ensemble piece and could easily be re-cast.
