MaryKate Brouillet, Janine Sunday and Rachel Cahoon make a plan to banish their boorish boss, played by Jordan B. Stocksdale, in '9 to 5: The Musical.' With songs and lyrics written by Dolly Parton, the show runs at Toby’s through March 16. Photo by Jeri Tidwell Photography

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“It’s a rich man’s game no matter what you call it, and you spend your life puttin’ money in his wallet.”  

Although that’s no way to go through life, take time off to see 9 to 5: The Musical, where those lyrics came from, now playing at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia.  

The musical is based of course on the popular 1980 movie starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton (who wrote the music and lyrics) and Dabney Coleman.  

Almost three decades after the film’s release, the musical premiered in Los Angeles in 2008 and played on Broadway the following year, though for less than six months.  

Despite its short run, the show received four Tony nominations as well as 15 Drama Desk Award nominations — the most received by a production in a single year. Allison Janney won for outstanding actress. 

According to director Mark Minnick, this is the first time the show has been performed in this area. Why did the creative team decide to bring it to Toby’s?  

“A show like this, musical and funny, is what we need right now,” Minnick said. “We have the perfect cast to pull it off, and I thought our audiences would love it.” 

They must be doing something right because, as of this writing, all the prior shows have sold out. But don’t worry, tickets are still available for the rest of the run, through March 16. 

Kidnap the boss 

If you’ve seen the movie, you know the plot. Three female employees work for an overbearing, misogynistic boss. It becomes so bad they decide to kidnap him.  

During his absence, they establish a daycare center in the office, pledge equal pay for men and women, and offer flexible, part-time hours. The office runs much more smoothly, and employees actually enjoy their jobs.  

When the boss’s wife returns home from vacation and frees him, things get complicated. 

The three talented female leads have played many roles in Toby’s past performances. Marykate Brouillet plays Judy, Janine Sunday is Violet and Rachel Cahoon is Doralee. 

As in the film, the trio steals the show. With their voices, comedic timing and depth of character, the three women channel the exhilarating original cast.  

That’s not to say that the boss, Franklin Hart, played by Jordan B. Stocksdale, is completely overshadowed. Stocksdale brings comedy, outrage and schadenfreude to the story. 

Some songs you’ve heard 

The excellent live orchestra is conducted by Ross Scott Rawlings, with sound by Mark Smedley.  

There are two songs you are probably familiar with: the title tune, “9 to 5,” and “Backwoods Barbie,” both written and recorded by Dolly Parton. Country stations played both hits in 1980 and again in 2008, when Parton released her “Backwoods Barbie” country album. 

Parton wrote all the other songs specifically for the musical. “I wanted each song to fit each character perfectly and fit the story line, as well and to have the songs be singable and memorable,” she explains on her website. 

You might not walk out of the theater humming any of those songs, but you’ll enjoy “Cowgirl’s Revenge,” Doralee’s table-turning ode to her ogling boss; “Heart to Hart,” a passionate love song by a bland administrative assistant; “Potion Notion,” Violet’s plot to poison her boss’ coffee, and “Change It,” the trio’s rallying cry for courage. “Nothing’s gonna change if you don’t change it,” they sing. 

Speaking of Parton, she appears on video at the beginning and end of the show, welcoming and thanking the audience.   

The fashions of the early 1980s make a comeback here with costumes designed by Heather C. Jackson and hair (and wigs) by Jayson Kueberth.  

Despite the kidnapping, this is a family show, except perhaps for young children. An occasional curse word is heard, and an 8 p.m. curtain gets you out about 10:30 p.m.  

Food, and a word about parking 

Toby’s plentiful all-you-can-eat buffet opens at 6 p.m. evenings (5 p.m. Sundays) and at 10:30 a.m. for matinees. Some of the dinner items include chicken parmesan, meatloaf, a carving station, baked tilapia, veggies, fruit, dessert and a salad bar and ice cream bar.     

Note that there is construction underway on what used to be part of Toby’s parking lot. This requires a few changes when driving there.  

The exit off 29 is no longer the best option; instead, take Symphony Woods Road. Also, the main entrance to the theater is now on the side of the building. Visit Toby’s website (tobysdinnertheatre.com) for everything you need to know.  

Depending on performance, tickets range from $84 to $92 for adults (those 65+ pay $74 for Tuesday evening or any Wednesday performance); children 4 and older are $64 to $67.  

Remember, the tips you leave for waiters also constitute the majority of the actors’ pay, so be generous.    

Tickets are available from the box office by calling (410) 730-8311 or online via Ticketmaster (with a service fee). Toby’s Dinner Theatre is located at 5900 Symphony Woods Rd., Columbia.