Mentor High School’s 2025 Spring Musical, “9 to 5,” ran from April 9th to the 13th. The cast members worked immensely hard on this project since November. The cast consisted of students from all grades and more than 100 cast and crew members. Mr. John Greene and Mr. Adam Landry directed it. This is the second theatre performance of the year, the first being a play called “The Nerd.” Every year, our theatre program shifts from male-centered shows to female-centered shows. This year was female-centered, and I think that “9 to 5” is an excellent choice for a female-centered show. It seems the cast and crew agree with me.
“9 to 5 The Musical” is based on a movie released in 1980 and features music by Dolly Parton. For anyone who missed the show, it is about three female coworkers, Violet, Judy, and Doralee, who are fed up with their office jobs. In a “coffee break,” they fantasize about the ways they would get rid of their sexist, egotistical, and hypocritical boss, Franklin Hart, who was played by Jackson Hodkey. Eventually, these dreams somewhat turn into reality, and they devise a plan to get control of the office. Eventually, they end up getting even with him. While it is a comedy story, it has an underlying, and much more important, theme of women’s empowerment.
Alex Ward, who played Judy, is in her first year at Mentor High School and in our theater program. She says that compared to her old theatre program, ours is “much more professional,” and that “the people already knew what they were doing.” She was also asked about her experience in “9 to 5” specifically. Alex said that the show helped her to grow both out of her shell and to develop her voice. She has met some of her best friends through this theatre show, and they have specifically helped her out of her shell and become more social. She said that she resonated with her character because she, too, was the new girl. She also found quick friends within the show, as did her character. When asked about the message of the show, she explained that she felt it was very impactful. She also said that, as a woman, she has undergone similar experiences to those that her character and her friends did within the musical, and it is an important topic to bring awareness to.
Noni Arndt, who played Violet, is in her 5th year of Mentor Theatre, including middle school. She has been involved in the cast and/or crew of all five productions Mentor Theatre has put on in her time at Mentor High School. She has said that she had an amazing time working with Addy and Alex and that she was especially grateful to share the stage with “such wonderfully and wickedly talented women.” When asked about the message of the show, she said that it is really important and as women, it is important to stand up for yourself, even in the wacky ways that they did in the show. She said that it conveys a strong message of never letting anyone undermine you or what you are capable of. Noni said that the most rewarding part of the show for her was having little girls come up to her and tell her that they want to be just like her when they’re older. Knowing that she was inspiring young girls to do what they’re passionate about was the most rewarding part for her. Noni has said that this was her favorite show that she has been a part of, and it was one of the best things that she got to experience.
Other members of the cast and crew commented on their thoughts on our theatre and this show. Jolie Fisher, who was in the ensemble for “9 to 5”, said that she loves Mentor Theatre and that it has helped her make some of her best friends.
“As the director,” Mr. Greene tells us, “I truly believe that ‘9 to 5’ was a fantastic choice for Mentor Theatre’s spring musical. The show’s high energy, strong message of empowerment, and memorable music resonated with both the cast and our audiences. It gave our students a fun yet meaningful platform to showcase their talent, and the response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. I’m proud of what we created together and grateful for the hard work everyone put in to make it such a success.”
He also emphatically appreciated the cast and crew.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the cast and crew,” Mr. Greene says. “Their energy, talent, and dedication brought the story to life in a way that was both heartfelt and hilarious. Each performer embraced their role with authenticity and charm, creating a dynamic ensemble that truly captured the spirit of the show. It was a joy to watch them grow together and deliver such a memorable production.”
And finally, he shared why he chose this musical for this year.
“I chose the musical ‘9 to 5’ because its message of empowerment, resilience, and friendship remains as relevant today as it was when the movie first premiered,” Mr. Greene says. “With its catchy score by Dolly Parton and its strong, dynamic female leads, the show offered both humor and heart while showing the challenges women face(d) in the workplace. It was a vibrant, uplifting production that encouraged audiences to dream big, stand up for what’s right, and never underestimate the power of determination.”
Viewers of the musical also enjoyed the show and its theme. Señora Friend, a Spanish teacher at Mentor High School, saw the show and expressed that she is always impressed with all aspects of our theatre productions, and that “Mr. Greene Rocks.” When asked about “9 to 5” specifically, she said that it was no exception, and she was immensely impressed with the cast, the crew, and the pit. She also said that she liked that the script pushed the limits in a sense, and that none of the actors or actresses shied away from it. They all brought their full attention and pride to their performance.
Good luck to the seniors in this show, we can’t wait to see what your future holds!
