GTA musical '9 to 5' sells out tickets

Two words — "Sold out!" — appear on all eight shows for the Gainesville Theatre Alliance's (GTA) musical production of "9 to 5."

This marks the first time GTA has boasted sold-out performances since late 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began and canceled the spring 2020 shows. GTA moved its production to a virtual platform for the 2020-21 season.

"The uptick in numbers over the past three shows suggests that our audience is beginning to come back in droves to the theater, which is encouraging," Jayme McGhan, artistic director of GTA and head of the Department of Theatre at the University of North Georgia, said. "Musicals always tend to sell out pretty quickly, so it's no surprise that this one, a beloved gem from Dolly Parton, sold out well in advance of opening. But given the relative reluctance of folks to congregate on the backside of the pandemic, we're certainly elated to see a full house."

GTA is a one-of-a-kind, nationally recognized collaboration between UNG and Brenau University. Utilizing hands-on, individualized training while emphasizing ensemble and collaboration between programs, GTA boasts a production program rivaling the largest theater schools in the country.

GTA is asking theater patrons to bring items to donate to Operation Christmas Child 2021 drive during the run of the show. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 12-14 and Nov. 16-19.

Sponsored by Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Children is an annual charity event that asks people to pack shoeboxes full of toys, clothes, and gifts for children around the world. The boxes are delivered to local pastors in different countries, along with a 12-step discipleship plan and assistant volunteers to aid in the distribution of the shoeboxes.

Keri McClain, GTA marketing manager, believes the musical adaptation of the iconic 1980 film starring Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin is responsible for the production's sell-out audience. "9 to 5" focuses on the friendship among three female co-workers who plot revenge against their egotistical, sexist boss.

"I think it's a combination of the fun of the show and the ability for people to get out and watch a live theater performance," she said.

McGhan said the students are excited to have Michael D. Jablonski, GTA's newest musical theater faculty member, direct the musical.

The musical marks GTA's third production of the 2021-22 season. Three more shows are scheduled for the spring 2022 semester. They are:

• WonderQuest's "The Pirate Queen" from Feb. 3-12 in Pearce Auditorium on Brenau University's campus.
• GTA New Works Festival from Feb. 24-27 in Ed Cabell Theatre on UNG's Gainesville Campus.
• "The Secret Garden" from April 8-16 in Hosch Theatre on Brenau University's campus.

For more information on future performances and the GTA program, visit GTA's website.