KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The Clarence Brown Theatre at the University of Tennessee will honor the legacy of Dolly Parton this spring with a production of the hit musical 9 to 5.
The production is scheduled to run April 14 through May 2 and has been added to the theater’s 2026-27 season lineup in place of the previously announced run of She Loves Me.
Based on the popular 1980 film, 9 to 5 is set in 1979 and follows three working women who band together to challenge their boss and transform their workplace. The stage production features Parton’s iconic hit song “9 to 5” along with 18 original musical numbers.
Kenneth Martin, artistic director of the theater, said the show reflects themes that extend beyond entertainment.
“In many ways, 9 to 5 is a story about people who refuse to accept that the world has to be the way they found it. They discover their voices, recognize their own worth, and imagine a workplace and a life that could be better,” Martin said.
He added that the production will celebrate not only Parton’s music and humor, but also her lasting impact on audiences.
“This spring, we will celebrate Dolly’s music, her humor, and her unmistakable spirit. But we will also celebrate something larger: the belief that imagination can create possibility, and possibility can change lives.”
The production is expected to draw strong interest from East Tennessee audiences, particularly those looking to celebrate the life and career of the Sevier County native whose influence on music, entertainment, and philanthropy spans decades.
Tickets and season information are available through the Clarence Brown Theatre website https://clarencebrowntheatre.com/our-season/.
