9 to 5: The Musical
Is a
Green Way to
Make a Living
on Broadway
By Tom Citrano
It’s been 29 years since the movie 9 to 5, opened in movie theaters around the world. The comedic story of three underpaid women plotting revenge against their sexist boss, carried the torch of equality in the workplace into the 1980’s. That torch is still burning brightly and delighting theater audiences in the new Broadway smash, 9 to 5: The Musical at the Marriott Marquis Theater in New York City. This new musical comedy, based on the hit movie, features the memorable title song from the film, along with 18 original songs from multiple Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, one of the original stars from the movie (along with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin).
The new Broadway musical stars Allison Janney, four-time Emmy winner (C.J. Cregg, The West Wing) and Tony nominee (A View From The Bridge), as Violet Newstead. The play also stars Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty and two-time Tony nominee, Marc Kudisch. 9 to 5: The Musical is directed by two-time Tony winner Joe Mantello with choreography from Tony winner Andy Blankenbuehler (In the Heights). The book is written by Patricia Resnick, and is based on her original story and screenplay from the 1980 film of the same name.
Stephanie J. Block stars as Judy Bernly, the timid office worker, first portrayed by Jane Fonda in the beloved and iconic film comedy. Stephanie comes to the show direct from playing Elphaba in the Broadway run of Wicked. Ms. Block has also starred in the Broadway runs of The Pirate Queen, and The Boy from Oz, opposite Hugh Jackman. Stephanie shares insight into the healthy living/healthy planet energies behind this new, “green” production.
9 to 5: The Musical is green?
I believe 9 to 5 is the first cast that has tried to go entirely green. And for theater that means we’ve switched out all of our light bulbs, including the dressing rooms, backstage, and even on stage, all to be more earth-friendly. We have recycling bins everywhere. A lot of our press materials are now going out on post-recycled paper. All of us have the aluminum bottles that we use to refill our water, instead of going through disposable cups and bottles. So as a community we are becoming much more aware of what we as artists, producers and earth-loving people can do on our end to make Broadway a greener experience for everyone.
Is it difficult to maintain a healthy eating routine while doing 8 shows a week on Broadway? I’ll be honest. It’s real hard! I’m a huge fan of The Zone, Nu-Kitchen and Chef’s Diet. They all deliver wonderful clean food that allows you to create your own menu, knowing you’ve covered the right amounts of proteins and carbs in your diet, during a time when you’re too busy to do the work yourself. But I want these wonderful companies to recycle their containers. It’s so disappointing to me. I would still be a client because the food is great and the taste is great. It makes me feel tremendously healthy, but I just hate wasting all that plastic. I feel that these wonderful food delivery services, that are so good for our bodies and well-being, have to do some good for the earth too!
What are your favorite places to
go for a healthy meal?
Green Symphony on 43rd (between 7th and 8th Ave.) is a place we adore, especially during rehearsals. It’s a quick place for food to go. It’s wonderfully delicious and healthy. It’s just a small hole in the wall but they have great selections: okra, fresh greens, vegetarian enchiladas, and a great salad bar. And they whip up some amazing wheat germ drinks and fresh fruit drinks. If you want to sit down and have a great meal, I always go to Josie’s West (on 74th and Amsterdam). They’ve got some great stuff too…vegan, soy-friendly, vegetarian. Josie’s West has a really great menu and everything always tastes incredible.
What’s your exercise regimen
during a Broadway run?
Right now we just opened the show and there is no exercise regime. That’s unfortunate, but because of our work schedule we’re doing a lot of cardio, whether it be running a dance number multiple times or working a costume change, which I know sounds silly. But when you’re running from the stage and you’re changing your clothes several times in about 7 seconds…It all adds up in the course of a day. Weight loss takes hold during this time and we find ourselves snacking on almonds or grabbing a half of an egg salad sandwich on wheat. It’s a lot of grabbing a quick nosh and then getting back to work, which is something I wish I could instill more of in my regular life. Eating five or six small meals a day and being as active as I am now, is something to aspire to.
Are you a yoga fan?
Yes! I have an amazing teacher, Joanna Ross, and because of past injuries from dancing, we do a lot of private work. I need someone to pay extra attention to my positions. I’m also in love with Belly Dancing Classes! The teacher and the class are so much fun! It’s definitely become a staple in my workout regime.
NYC can be a very chaotic place. Where do you find serenity
in the city?
I find serenity through my husband and my dog. We visit Morningside Park as often as we can. We love Central Park, but as big as it is, it can still sometimes feel a little frantic. Morningside Park is close to our house, it’s always quiet and we just love it there. We kind of feel like it’s our own. It has a dog park where we can let our little guy run loose with the other puppies. So that’s a really great escape for us.
What’s your NYC guilty pleasure?
I’ve got to admit I’m a shopper. I think of it as retail therapy.
I just love it.
What are you looking forward to doing in New York this summer?
My husband is also in a show (Happiness, Lincoln Center) so we’re on the same schedule. We have our days free which is really so great here in the summer in New York City. One thing I’ve never done is walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. I brought that up to my husband a couple days ago. So that’s what we’re going to do this summer. We’re going to make a little daytrip of it.
Every month Natural Awakenings NYC profiles a Natural Hero who is making our city and the planet a better place to live.
Who’s your Natural Hero?
My “Natural Hero” would have to be Ioana Alfonso. She’s a dancer in our cast. Ioana’s constantly spearheading charity events and putting amazing things together to raise awareness for causes that need our help. She sponsors children in other countries and collects money to get them to college and help them in any way she can. I just adore her. She’s always going non-stop in support of others. Ioana is definitely my Natural Hero.
9 to 5: The Musical is currently playing at the Marriot Marquis Theater at 1535 Broadway (at 45th), New York City. Tickets are available at the Marriot Marquis Box Office, or through Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 212-307-4100. For more information about 9 to 5: The Musical visit: 9to5themusical.com For more information about Stephanie J. Block visit stephaniejblock.com
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