Meet the cast Michele Spohn plays Violet in our production of 9 to 5 The Musical "I’m so excited to be back performing at Barnstormers! It’s been quite a few years since being in Clarion Theater’s original production of The Prodigals as “madam” Sirenella.” Since then I’ve had a blast as Ursula in The Little Mermaid and Rosie in Mama Mia among others. But I’m so incredibly fortunate to be in this iconic musical from an era I actually lived through! My portrayal of Violet is lovingly dedicated to my mom who truly was a strong independent woman long before the glass ceiling was cracked." The show runs through June 15th Tickets are selling fast, get yours now at barnstormersgp.com or call the box office at 541-479-3557 (fb)

Beyond the unforgettable music, 9 to 5 The Musical captured a powerful moment in history. And our incredible stage manager, Monica McFadden, was there! She experienced the 9 to 5 movement and the ERA firsthand. Here's her story: "I was honored to serve as the Political Director for the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) and the Director of Government Relations for the National Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW). I also worked on state and national political campaigns for women candidates and male candidates who supported women’s issues, before going to law school and creating a practice focused on civil rights and employment issues. NWPC was and is dedicated to increasing the number of women in public office. In 1979, there was 1 woman in the U.S. Senate and 16 in the House. Not until 1974 did voters elect the first woman governor in the United States whose husband had not previously held that office. Now, women hold 26% of Senate seats, 28.7% of House seats and there are 13 women governors. Still not enough, but progress. My two favorite memories involve the nomination of Geraldine Ferraro as Vice Presidential candidate for the Democratic Party (the first woman ever to be nominated by a major party) and the effort to pass the Family and Medical Leave Act (ultimately passed in 1993). The Ferraro nomination didn’t just happen out of the goodness of the heart of the Democratic Party. There was a strategic plan and substantial lobbying. The NWPC took the role of creating a floor system for the Democratic convention which was fully prepared to nominate a woman and put Rep. Ferraro’s name in nomination from the floor if needed. VP Mondale’s action made that unnecessary, but we were ready. And seeing her accept the nomination – glorious! The FMLA was heavily opposed by the U.S. Chamber and the National Federation of Independent Business, who argued it would bankrupt small businesses. BPW business women disagreed vehemently, arguing, like the women in 9 to 5, that this would actually be good for productivity, employee morale, retention (which has of course been shown to be true). It was fun to see small business panels testifying to Congress which began with men in suits arguing against and ended with the wonderful small business women of BPW providing just the positive counterbalance needed. Organizing and advocacy works! We stood on the shoulders of the women who came before us, as we hope today’s women will stand on ours. We will never give up." The show runs through June 15th get your tickets here: https://barnstormerstheatre.ludus.com/index.php? sections=events&widget=1 or call the box office at 541-479-3557 Please note: This production of 9 to 5 The Musical includes mature themes and language that some viewers may find unsuitable for young children. Parental guidance is suggested for those under 13. Photo Credit: Zach Dodge (fb)