The drama club has been working hard on the Fall Musical “9 to 5”, debuting on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of November at 7 p.m. in the De Pere High School auditorium. 

“9 to 5” is about three women who are fed up with their sexist egotistical male bosses.  They want these men to lose their jobs and be kicked from their spot of power. 

Director Raquel Lopez and the students have been working really hard to do this piece justice. They want the students to appreciate the humor and comedic aspects of this musical, while also valuing the deeper message about feminism in the workplace.

But why are people doing the musical in the first place? What is driving the students to work hard?

Many members of the cast said that they love the feeling of being on stage, and the “rush” that comes with it. Sami Bennett, a sophomore ensemble member, says she looks forward to, “[The] adrenaline rush when you first go out on stage.”

Sophomore Sam Hornseth had similar feelings. 

““It’s a rush definitely,” he said. “When the lights are on you and you’re up there, it’s simply a rush. That’s how I’d describe it.”

Sophomore Alivia Drewieske said that drama gives feelings like few other activities. 

“It’s not really like another experience anywhere else,” she said. “I feel like that everyone has come to support you and they’re all here to be positive and not tear you down.”

A lot of cast members said they joined after either being a part of or seeing the success of last year’s musical, “The Little Mermaid.”  When asked  how they think “9 to 5” will line up compared to “The Little Mermaid,” there were conflicting answers.

“Is it going to be the best thing this place has ever put on? I doubt it. But is it gonna go fine or good enough? Yeah sure,” said sophomore Ruby Mansbridge. 

On the other hand Sam Hornseth says, “It’s just entirely different. It’s comparing apples and oranges.”

The plot of “9 to 5” compared to the musical is very different. They deal with very different topics and humor. That changes the dynamic of the chemistry backstage. One thing that the cast can agree on is that the drama club is excited to put this year’s musical on.

The list of lead characters includes Mary Nelly Baumgardt (Violet); Livi Drewieske (Doralee); Rowan McManus (Judy); Tegen Lowney (Hart); Shala Rahman (Roz); Lindsey Lyerly (Joe).