The following post was written by Kate LaGatta ’25 as part of her Senior Experience with Beaver’s Marketing department.
The preparation for Beaver’s spring musical is a blast to the past as students work with typewriters, phones with cords, and the beloved story of Dolly Parton’s movie, 9 to 5.
The musical story, set in the ‘70s, mirrors the iconic film. The comedy features three strong women secretaries banding together to improve their working environment–only they have to tie up their tyrannical boss to do it. One scene shows the monotonous work environment through catchy song, while another dives into the hilarity of awkward workplace romances. Every scene is dynamic, showing the reality and humor that comes from working 9 to 5, especially for women before feminism transformed workplace culture.
All students working on the show have been challenged with multiple moving pieces, from an ever-changing stage to around 130 props. “It’s stressful but rewarding,” says technician Cooper Walton ‘27, who operates the light board.
Musical newcomer Phoebe Stoesser ‘27 is one of many new students in the process this year. “Everyone’s been really welcoming,” she said. “The musical is a good way to put yourself out there.”
For technician Annalisa DePina ‘26, the experience working with the revolve and backstage has “improved my work ethic,” she said. “The show helped me manage my school work and real work.”
“I think it really came together,” said assistant stage manager Owen Walton ‘27. “I had an amazing group of other stage managers,” he added. “We all supported each other along the way.”
With the musical being the class of 2025’s last show, many have been reflecting on their time in Beaver Theater and at the school in general. “I feel like I’m ultra-aware this is my last time doing this, so I’m trying to make this the best I can,” said Owen Eddy ‘25. Theater, he mentioned, is special to him, with the musical being “the reason for what I’m doing in college.”
Performances of 9 to 5 will take place at Beaver on May 15, 16, and 17 at 7 p.m. in Bradley Hall. Tickets can be purchased here.
Cast (in order of appearance):
- Violet Newstead: Reagan Coughlin
- Jess/Ensemble: Cassie Scott
- Doralee Rhodes: Orli Azoulay
- Dwayne/Ensemble: Aidan Emmons
- Judy Bernly: Mia Kelley
- Kathy/Ensemble: Leili Singer
- Maria/Ensemble: Katie Born
- Roz Keith: Kate LaGatta
- Margaret/Ensemble: Jamie Hagerty
- Administrative Assistant/Orderly/Ensemble: Analis Mendez
- Franklin Hart, Jr.: Owen Eddy
- Missy/Ensemble: Kayla Toussaint
- Joe: Robin Murphy
- Bob Enright/Tinsworthy: Henry Diver
- Dick/Police Officer/Ensemble: Aubrey Emmons
- Detective/Ensemble: Mabel Forkner
- Doctor/Ensemble: Xiao-Mei Casado
- Intern/Ensemble: Sam Singer
- Candy Striper/Ensemble: Nora McBride
- New Employee/Ensemble: Ava Restuccia
Administrative Assistants/Ensemble:
- Quinn Burke
- Zarra Burke
- Phoebe Stoesser
Stage Managers:
- Alex Fox
- Izzy Gabrieli
- Sara Schiavo
- Owen Walton
Technicians:
- Annalisa DePina
- Matthew McAdam
- Charlie Scott
- Bradley Stone
- Cooper Walton
Costumers:
- Clara Esrick
- Azariyah Goodman
- Jackie Guerrier
- Markella Pauli
- Anisa Singh
- Lucia de Icaza