15-03-2025
Bridgeport High School Theatre launches its 50th season with 9 to 5: The Musical
BRIDGEPORT, (WBOY) — Bridgeport High School Theatre kicked off its 50th anniversary season Friday night with '9 to 5: The Musical,' a comedic tale of friendship, revenge and office antics set in the late 1970s.
With music by the legendary Dolly Parton and a screenplay written by Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5: The Musical brings the 1980 screwball comedy to life on the stage. Audience members were in for a wild ride through the corporate grind, where laughter and lessons collided in unexpected ways. This production honors the school's rich theater legacy and the timeless power of storytelling.
'Funding theatre arts is so important because this community means so much to so many people, and it provides a safe and inclusive space where people are able to find themselves, and to be creative, and to try things that they've never done, and be confident in themselves,' Senior Bridgeport High School Theatre Student Lilly Smart said. 'I know this theatre means a lot to and it means a lot to a lot of people, it's a really special place.'
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The musical follows three fed-up coworkers who hatch a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, and downright despicable boss. In a hilarious twist, Violet, Judy, and Doralee turn their wildest fantasies into reality by booting their boss out in style.
'I think theatre is an incredible experience for students. When I was in high school, theatre fostered great appreciation for the arts as well as my community,' Bridgeport High School Theatre's Artistic Director Trina Byard said. 'I learned lots of skills in the theatre, I learned how to sew, I learned how to use power tools, I learned public speaking skills, I learned how to do math, there is just lots of things theatre can teach you that you have no idea of the kids of skills that you're going to use.'
Audience members were engaged in the fast-paced story, laughing and singing along to the familiar tunes of country icon Dolly Parton throughout the production.
'I just love my castmates so much, and I am so, I am going to be so excited to come back and see what else this theatre produces,' Senior Bridgeport High School Theatre Student Brynnra Dabaugh said. 'When we leave, new freshmen will come in. It starts fresh every year, and it's always so amazing. And I just can't wait to see what else comes of it.'
If you missed Friday night's show, there's another performance on Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets for the show cost $15 for adults and $10 for kids at the door.
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