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.
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Gotta love that Dolly! She is just the best.She is right up there with Elvis,Marilyn,The Beatles.There will never be another Dolly.We are so blessed
to have an entertainer with this much integrity and class. I agree with a previous comment.She is a class act and
gives her fans her all.Way to go
Dolly!
Posted by: ann | September 21, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Good review, but it's not like this was the first time the show "stopped cold". It happened in the first preview (and Dolly came out then as well), and there have been numerous stoppages of the show in the previews leading up to last night. It was to be expected as they are still working out the kinks of the mechanisms moving the set pieces.
Posted by: bc | September 21, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Brava, Dolly!
A true entertainer. In fact, the very definition.
What will we do when her generation isn't around anymore? Hollyweird certainly has no talent to offer--too busy making political propaganda.
I love ya, Dolly! You are a true American woman and an icon.
Posted by: Cavalleria | September 21, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Yes, she is a national treasure chest.
How many remember her from the old Porter Wagoner Show?
Posted by: ro | September 21, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Well, Hello Dolly
It's so nice to be back home where I belong
You are looking swell, Manny
I can tell, Danny
You're still glowin', you're still crowin'
You're still goin' strong
I feel the room swayin'
For the band's playin'
One of my old fav'rite songs from 'way back when
So, bridge that gap, fellas
Find me an empty lap, fellas
Dolly'll never go away again
I just love Dolly Parton - What an all-around, hard-working, talented lady
Posted by: Joan | September 21, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Dolly is a treasure. A ton of talent in a small package. And you never hear of her being a diva. Always nice and the first to make fun of herself. Some singers should follow her example. Here that Babs? Go Dolly, you are a joy in more ways than one.
Posted by: Mean Tristan | September 21, 2008 at 02:06 PM
It's all about the show!Dolly, you saved the day and made a great impression while doing so. I'm sure things would have fallen to pieces if you weren't there.
Posted by: James | September 21, 2008 at 03:00 PM
She is truly a class act. She never uses her position to spout politics, one way or the other! She's smart enough to know she'll just piss off half her fans if she did.
I recall her response to a 'dumb blond' comment; "I'm not dumb and I know for sure I'm not a blond".
When joked about her most obvious attribute she smiled; "I don't know if I'm supporting them or they're supporting me".
If Sarah Palin ever dropped out......
Posted by: Jery | September 21, 2008 at 03:40 PM
DOLLY FOR PRESIDENT!
Posted by: Michellllp | September 22, 2008 at 03:02 PM
For those of you talking about Dolly being old school..let me tell you,if you grew up in the Tennessee Mountains in the 30'40'and 50's and your family was indigent...Then you know what old school is...Snow coming through the cracks in the roof while you slept...3 biscuits each every day..and that was a lot to us.Carrying our shoes to and from school to save them,and nothing short of a broken limb brought a doctor.People say it gave us character..that's BS..we almost starved to death and people in those mountains are still hungry and indigent,We don't have to go overseas to help starving families.Go to feed the children.com and send a few bucks.Unless you're too hungry to,in that case.ask them for help.
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Posted by: Marti | October 02, 2008 at 09:03 PM
The key to peace is here! Michael Douglas Carlin is trying to achieve his goal of saving the environment and the economy. With his new book, “A Prescription for Peace”, this humanitarian is on a goal to make the world a better place. The first way to change the world is by being president, so Michael Douglas Carlin is a new candidate for president. To get more information about Michael Douglas Carlin running for president, or for his book, go to www.mikecarlinforpresident.info!
Posted by: Marti | October 02, 2008 at 09:04 PM
The key to peace is here! Michael Douglas Carlin is trying to achieve his goal of saving the environment and the economy. With his new book, “A Prescription for Peace”, this humanitarian is on a goal to make the world a better place. The first way to change the world is by being president, so Michael Douglas Carlin is a new candidate for president. To get more information about Michael Douglas Carlin running for president, or for his book, go to www.mikecarlinforpresident.info!
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Posted by: girl_18_sweet | December 07, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Today (12/19) is my son's 21st Birthday.
Terrance Newman
Azusa Pacific University Student
I would appreciate it if you could announce it on the news this morning.
Thank you.
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thats called C.Y.A. doin what you have to !!! cant look like you dont care !!
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