
Via Twitter, the singing actress said, "It's official: I will be playing Miss Doralee Rhodes in the 1st Nat'l Tour of 9 to 5 The Musical plus, we open in NASHVILLE!!!" The role was created on Broadway by Megan Hilty.
Broadway favorite Dee Hoty is also expected to play the role of Violet Newstead. No official casting has been announced.
A complete list of tour dates has not yet been revealed, but presenters in Chicago, Indianapolis and Atlanta announced the show to subscribers. Joe Mantello (Wicked, Take Me Out) directed the Broadway staging, which Andy Blankenbuehler (In the Heights) choreographed.
The tour will be directed and choreographed by Tony nominee Jeff Calhoun.
9 to 5: The Musical will appear at Atlanta's Fox Theatre (presented by Theater of the Stars) Sept 28-Oct 3; Clowes Hall in Indianapolis, IN, Jan. 11-16, 2011; and Broadway in Chicago's series Jan. 18-31, 2011. The Broadway musical — based on the hit 1980 movie comedy about women in an oppressive office workplace — closed on Broadway Sept. 6, 2009. The book was by Patricia Resnick, based on the screenplay that she co-wrote. Music and lyrics were by Dolly Parton, who wrote an entirely new score for the show (excluding the catchy title tune, of course).
A cast album was released on Parton's own record label in summer 2009.
The Broadway staging of 9 to 5 played 148 performances and 24 previews. Producer Robert Greenblatt is now taking his show on the road, with partners.
Parton said in a fall 2009 statement, "I couldn't have asked for a better experience on my first Broadway show. I've had the privilege of working with an amazing group of people who have become like family to me. I can't wait for this show to hit the road so people across the country can see why I'm so proud of everyone involved. And I'm so pleased that we'll be opening the tour in Nashville. Great things happen in Nashville."
9 to 5 was nominated for 2009 Tony Awards in the following categories: Best Original Score Written for the Theatre (Dolly Parton), Best Actress in a Musical (Allison Janney), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Marc Kudisch), Best Choreography (Andy Blankenbuehler).
Allison Janney won the 2009 Drama Desk Award as Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her work in the show.
Musical direction and vocal arrangements are by Stephen Oremus (Wicked, All Shook Up).
For more information visit www.9to5themusical.com.