Dolly Parton saves the World Premiere of '9 to 5' Musical as 'Technical Difficulties' almost stop the production cold.
10:45 PM September 20, 2008
She has doubtlessly performed on thousands of concert stages all around the world; but Saturday night at the World Premiere of the stage musical version of her very own "9 to 5," Dolly Parton had to save opening night, by performing, completely impromptu, from the audience.
Parton, was among a star studded crowd; including fellow '9 to 5' film cast members Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dabney Coleman; all of whom were on hand to see the Broadway Bound musical based on the movie from 1979.
Dozens of other stars were in Los Angeles' Ahmanson Theater, including, Gabriel Byrne, Tracey Ullman, Blythe Danner and Jason Alexander; when the show was stopped cold about 15 minutes into the performance by "technical difficulties."
Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block and Megan Hilty; playing the roles Tomlin, Fonda and Parton made famous in the movie, were in the midst of a scene change, when the curtain came down and an announcer informed a stunned audience that the show would be stopped for a few minutes because of some technical problems.
As the minutes dragged on and on, a clearly restless audience was cheered when Parton stood-up right from her seat in the middle of the theater and said; "If they can't perform the show, I'll do some of it from right here." Parton then proceeded to lead the entire audience in a sing-a-long version of the title song '9 to 5.' That number, drew a rousing ovation from the crowd; but the delay wasn't done and neither was Dolly.
Audience members could hear construction equipment like power drills and saws at work while Dolly continued to charm the audience with a talk about the origins of the musical show; as well as introducing her '9 to 5' film co-stars. As the delay continued, Parton offered to take questions from the audience; and then asked if the audience would like for her to sing another song; 'I Will Always Love You.' Before beginning the second number Dolly told the crowd, "Maybe I'll wait, in case things get screwed up again and I have to fill more time."
After a complete set of about 20 minutes of both song and chatter the show resumed.
The audience remained in a great mood, and very open to the rest of the show, thanks entirely to Dolly and her efforts. The remainder of the musical went off without a hitch and was greeted with a long standing ovation.
However some theater veterans in the crowd could be overheard saying that the show will certainly need a few tweaks before a scheduled April 2009 opening on Broadway.
In my view, the show was about "85 percent there." There seem to be a few "filler" numbers, and a few scenes that I think might make some people simply uncomfortable. Does Dolly have a sure-fire musical theater hit on her hands? I can't honestly be certain. But there is no doubt that a potential opening night disaster was clearly diffused by a very talented and more than willing to "wing-it" Dolly Parton.
Posted by Sam Rubin | Permalink | Comments (43) | TrackBack (0)
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Good job, Dolly Parton. What a pro for saving the show.
BTW, Friday's KTLA Emmy Pre-show (6-10am) was lots of fun. Rock on, Sam, Jessica and crew! See you Sunday for the Emmys.
Posted by: jozielee | September 21, 2008 at 05:00 AM
That's a woman with class, right on!
Posted by: Ken | September 21, 2008 at 07:49 AM
That's great that Dolly stepped in to save the show. I don't know many other stars that come up to the plate like that, that is so "Old School." What a pro.
Posted by: Paul | September 21, 2008 at 08:00 AM
As a native of Tenneessee, I have to say Dolly is one of the gems of our state. No doubt her impromtu preformance of last night shows the rest of the world why we can be so proud of her! Thank you Dolly!
Posted by: tothestars2 | September 21, 2008 at 08:05 AM
WE LOVE DOLLY!!!!!!!
Posted by: dz | September 21, 2008 at 08:11 AM
She truly is a gem. I can't wait to see the show when it's released! I would have loved to see her impromptu performance... but would have been just as happy if she ripped off her top to show us those huge melons finally.
Thank you, Dolly!
Posted by: Bryan Carboner | September 21, 2008 at 08:15 AM
She truly is a gem. I can't wait to see the show when it's released! I would have loved to see her impromptu performance... but would have been just as happy if she ripped off her top to show us those huge melons finally.
Thank you, Dolly!
Posted by: Bryan Carboner | September 21, 2008 at 08:16 AM
I agree with Bryan above. I've been wanting to see those huge breasteses for at least 25 years. Where are they already? I keep looking for a nip slip while watching Hannah Montana, but it never happens? Wait...what's a 43 year old doing watching Hannah Montona?
What a country!
Posted by: Ben Dovar | September 21, 2008 at 08:26 AM
*High Five to Ben*
I have some fake photoshop pictures of Dolly I downloaded from the internet. Some look good and some not so convincing. Either way they make excellent spank material. Let me know if you are interested.
Posted by: Bryan Carboner | September 21, 2008 at 08:34 AM
I adore Dolly Parton.
I went to her concert at the Universal Amphitheater in the lare 70s in Los Angeles when it was still an open air arena. I was invited to go with friends as they were about to leave. I called the theatre and was told there were still seats available. I knew nothing about her except for her...well...you know.
She was like a breath of fresh air...talented and engaging with her audience like few others are capable of doing. I was completely won over to her music. Previously I had no interest in her music. This was before she began acting in movies.
The word that always comes to mind when I think of her is 'lovable'. Absolutely.
Posted by: Greg | September 21, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Spot on review, Sam....I was there and Dolly DID make everyone feel right at home. She is completely charming and v-e-r-y talented. I too, thought the show a tad long and indeed, the tweaking ought to make it a smash in the Big Apple.
Posted by: KL Moran | September 21, 2008 at 09:33 AM
A class act!
Posted by: JoeLectual | September 21, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Hey, good for Dolly!
That's some old school, Vaudeville chutzpa there.
The show must go on!
Posted by: Steven Kirk | September 21, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Dolly is the best. She is a real class act, and her fans are her top priority. Congrats Dolly and cast and crew!
Posted by: Terry S. | September 21, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Dolly Parton is actually an American hero. She is one of the few people I can name who I have NEVER heard anybody say anything negative about. Great story.
Posted by: KB | September 21, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Dolly Parton is actually an American hero. She is one of the few people I can name who I have NEVER heard anybody say anything negative about. Great story.
Posted by: KB | September 21, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Dolly Parton is actually an American hero. She is one of the few people I can name who I have NEVER heard anybody say anything negative about. Great story.
Posted by: KB | September 21, 2008 at 10:41 AM
I don't want to turn praise for her into condemnation of others but, Dolly Parton is truly talented and from a time before the common 'propping up' of so-called talent today. Her caliber was rare then and near extinct now. How many studio voices today would dare perform live without technological 'help'? Thanks to Dolly for remaining true.
Posted by: RemindedDollyFan | September 21, 2008 at 11:08 AM
I am not a big fan of Ms. Parton, but this cleraly shows that she IS a star!
Posted by: Peter | September 21, 2008 at 11:31 AM
She's a pro!
Posted by: Jimmy Boom | September 21, 2008 at 11:34 AM
So, what was the nature of the technical difficulty?
Posted by: Memememe | September 21, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Dolly Parton; National Cultural Treasure, one of the most important American Lyricists of the 20th century, exceptionally talented and very comfortable with who she is as a person. We loves her.
Posted by: JMo | September 21, 2008 at 11:55 AM
AND WHO IS A DOMB BLONDE? DOLLY, YOU ARE THE BEST! A CONSUMATE ENTERTAINER FOR ALL TIME! MAY YOU ALWAYS BE LOVED AND I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!
Posted by: ENNOCOIRLED | September 21, 2008 at 12:01 PM
What a class act. I've always liked Dolly Parton. She's genuinely talented and a consumate performer, and this incident only confirms that even further for me. Now if only many of today's new performers would only follow her lead.
Posted by: EBS | September 21, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Go, Dolly.
Dolly Pardon, you are one of my favorites; now Hollywood can echo the same.
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Posted by: 24hourapartments | September 21, 2008 at 12:27 PM