MALIBU, CA – October 23, 2024 – Pepperdine University’s acclaimed Theatre and Music Departments are proud to present the Luciana and Daniel Forge Fall Musical "9 to 5 The Musical,” scheduled to run from November 15 to November 23 at Smothers Theatre in Malibu. With music and lyrics by legend Dolly Parton, "9 to 5 The Musical” is a celebration of women supporting each other through a journey of discovery, humor, and empowerment. 

Set in the 1970s, the production follows three cunning secretaries as they craft a scheme to expose their misogynistic boss in the hopes of creating a more inclusive and empowering workplace. To the tune of Parton’s quintessential country-pop sound, the guileful trio use their witty antics and comedic shenanigans to successfully establish programs benefiting women, ranging from child care to equal pay. 

“This has been a wonderful show to work on,” says Director and Choreographer Kelly Todd. “The students are exceptionally talented and it all sounds so good. It is also a newer piece, so the dancing exposes our students to more contemporary styles. As a director, I can see how invested the entire cast is in the narrative of these three women trying to make a living in a more humane workplace. Their empowerment gives rise to their entire community. And it’s based on a film that many love, so it’s just a lot of fun.”

Reflecting on how this musical resonates with our current world, Todd notes, “In today’s fast-paced environment, where conversations around workplace dynamics, gender equity, and the importance of mental health are more prominent than ever, ‘9 to 5’ invites us to laugh, reflect, and unite. The camaraderie among the three lead characters—Judy, Violet, and Doralee—serves as a reminder that collective action can lead to profound change. We hope to inspire conversations about how we can continue to advocate for more equitable and humane institutions for all.” 

Recommended for ages 12+ for sexual references, drug use, and profanity. Gold, Platinum, and Diamond members of the Center for the Arts Guild are invited to a special backstage tour before the Thursday, November 21 performance. 

Tickets are available now and priced at $23 for the public. Price includes ticket fees. Discounted tickets are available for groups, Military, Wave Associates, and Pepperdine faculty, staff, students, and alumni. To purchase tickets, call the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts box office at (310) 506-4522 or visit the “9 to 5 The Musical” event page.  

About the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts

Delighting more than 50,000 patrons and participants annually with live performances, art exhibitions, and local outreach opportunities, the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts serves as a hub for the arts on Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus, uniquely linking professional guest artists with Pepperdine students as well as patrons from surrounding Southern California communities. Three performance spaces, including the 450-seat Smothers Theatre, the 124-seat Raitt Recital Hall, and the “black box” Lindhurst Theatre, host hundreds of performances, rehearsals, and master classes throughout the year. The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, a dynamic, two-story exhibition space, showcases a revolving selection of modern and contemporary art with a focus on art made in California.

Event Details

WHAT: “9 to 5 The Musical”
WHEN: Friday, November 15 to Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2 p.m.; Thursday, November 21 to Friday, November 22, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 23 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
TICKETS: (310) 506-4522 or “9 to 5 The Musical” event page 
PRICES: $23 for the public. Price includes ticket fees. Discounted tickets are available for groups, Military, Wave Associates, and Pepperdine faculty, staff, students, and alumni. 

Photos

Download assets of “9 to 5 The Musical” 1 | 2 

Media Contact 

Jessica Burdzinski
Marketing and Publicity Manager
jessica.burdzinski@pepperdine.edu
310.506.4055