Stage West brings 9 to 5: The Musical to life on stage until June 25

It’s time to call it a day because 9 to 5, The Musical has taken over Stage West. Based on the 1980 hit movie starring Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda, the production follows the story of three female coworkers pushed to their boiling point by their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical boss. Adapted into a Broadway show in 2009, 9 to 5, The Musical is an exciting, hilarious, and empowering story that far too many can identify with. We caught up with Julia Juhas, who made her Stage West debut playing the witty character of Violet Newstead.

What can audiences expect with Stage West's 9 to 5?

Oh, I don’t know if they’re going to know what hit ‘em! That stage is jam-packed with some pretty vibrant and extraordinary talent. Audiences should expect to be wowed by some sultry and high-energy dancing, and dynamite voices, and they should also be prepared to bust a gut because hilarity ensues. I can’t g////et enough of watching my castmates from the wings. They are absolutely incredible.

You’ve played the same role before, how did your approach differ?

I have to say it’s such a treat to be able to play with Violet once again. I absolutely love her courage, strength, determination, vulnerability, resilience, and goofiness. At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to recreate the role because the last time I played it, it came at the perfect time. It was a pivotal moment in my life and I wanted to leave that experience of embodying Violet on the high note that it was. However, I’m so glad I said yes to the opportunity in revisiting Violet here at Stage West Calgary. Violet is extremely colourful vocally and characteristically and this time around I feel like I’ve explored more of those colours with a few extra high kicks. With an entirely different cast and team of creatives, it’s a whole new experience. As a woman, Violet's story, Doralee's and Judy’s story, and the story of the women who created the 9 to 5 moment will always be important and pivotal. If you haven’t seen the documentary 9 to 5, The Story of a Movement on Netflix, I highly recommend it. These are the women who inspired the film and musical we love and adore today.

How empowering is it to play this type of role, especially in this day and age?

It's super empowering and as I mentioned before, unfortunately by the sounds of it, this show will always be relevant. All the women in this story, even Roz, are endearing, full of heart, and have a lot to say as they come across their individual challenges. Once you get past the misunderstanding and miscommunication you can really embrace the value and the power of women, men, and people uniting to help each other out. This is such a fun way to send a very important message, especially to those who don’t want to hear it. Everyone loves a good laugh! And once people are laughing and smiling, they’re relaxed which hopefully leads to an open heart and open ears, then, fingers-crossed, lasting change.

Tell us a little bit more about you and your background.

I started as a competitive dancer with the Canadian Dance Company in Mississauga Ontario and began dancing at the age of eleven. I am a graduate of Cawthra Park Secondary School for the Performing Arts as well as a graduate of Sheridan Colleges Music Theatre Performance Program. Upon graduating from Sheridan, I’ve performed on stage and on screen across North America and continue to do so until my luck runs out.