Marietta Theatre Company Revisits Its Roots with 9 to 5: The Musical – A Full-Circle Moment 10 Years in the Making

Speakeysie News Desk

Opening Night Set for Thursday, May 28 with Performances Through Saturday, June 6

 Marietta, GA — Marietta Theatre Company, a local nonprofit dedicated to delivering Broadway-style theatrical experiences, heats up the summer with its second show of the 2026 season, the bold, hilarious, and empowering 9 to 5: The Musical, running Thursday, May 28 through Saturday, June 6, 2026.

 This production is more than a crowd-pleaser – it’s a homecoming – and a milestone moment for a company built on passion, persistence, and community support.

 A decade ago, 9 to 5 was the spark that ignited what would become Marietta Theatre Company (MTC). In 2016, five local artists – including MTC’s current President Katrina Stroup, Treasurer Jeff Cooper, and 9 to 5 Director Zac Phelps – came together to produce and perform 9 to 5: The Musical. At the time, the production was a one-off passion project fueled by a shared belief that the Marietta Square could, once again, support large-scale, Broadway-style musicals.

 The response was overwhelming. The show’s nearly sold-out run revealed a clear appetite for this caliber of theatre—something missing from the local arts landscape. Encouraged by the community’s enthusiasm, the founders reinvested the modest profits into officially establishing Marietta Theatre Company as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. By 2017, MTC launched its first full season.

 Now, nine seasons later, MTC returns to where it all began—bringing 9 to 5 back to the very stage that inspired the company’s creation.

 “Ten years ago, 9 to 5 was a leap of faith—it was five artists asking ‘what if?’,” said Katrina Stroup, President and co-founder. “That one production became nine seasons, hundreds of artists, and thousands of audience members each year. Bringing this show back now, on the same stage, feels like a celebration and a turning point—it is proof of how much this community believes in the power of local theatre.”

Based on the iconic film of the same name, 9 to 5 features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick. Set in the late 1970s, the story follows three unlikely friends as they take control of their workplace – and their futures – with humor, heart, and just the right amount of revenge. Packed with fan-favorite songs like “9 to 5,” “Backwoods Barbie,” and “Shine Like the Sun,” 9 to 5 delivers a feel-good, PG-13 theatrical experience that resonates with audiences of all generations. With a message of empowerment and friendship, the musical directly reflects the sentiment behind the creation of MTC.

 Today, MTC stands as the longest continuously running theatre company on the Marietta Square without a permanent venue – a distinction that reflects both resilience and uncertainty. While the company has grown into a cornerstone of the regional arts community and was honored was the #1 Live Theatre in Best of Cobb 2026, MTC’s future depends on continued audience and donor support.

 In the spirit of Dolly Parton – whose legacy includes not only unforgettable music, but also a deep commitment to giving back – consider how you can help sustain the arts. Whether through attending performances, volunteering, or making a charitable contribution, every act of support helps ensure that the next 10 years of storytelling are possible.

 After all, as Dolly herself has shown time and again, a little generosity can go a long way in changing lives and building something that lasts.

 Now in its ninth full season as a nonprofit, Marietta Theatre Company continues to deliver on its founding promise: to provide high-quality, accessible theatre while creating cultural enrichment. As MTC looks to the future, 9 to 5 serves as both a tribute to its origins and an invitation to the community to help write its next chapter. 

 For tickets and more information, including ways to support MTC’s mission, please visit mariettatheatre.com.  

 Marietta Theatre Company performs in-residence at Marietta’s Theatre in the Square located at 11 Whitlock Avenue. For more information on Marietta Theatre Company and upcoming events, visit mariettatheatre.com or follow along on Facebook @MariettaTheatreCompany, Instagram @MariettaTheatre, and TikTok @MariettaTheatreCo using the hashtag #mariettatheatre.