The office space works as a place for talking-picture comedies such as “The Front Page” (1931), “The Apartment” (1960) and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” (1967), to name a few.

The movie, “9 to 5” (1980), became a hit Broadway musical (2009), continuing a tradition that begat screen-to-stage transplants, circa “Silk Stockings” (1955) based on the film “Ninotchka” (1939).

The musical comedy, “9 to 5,” opens with the big, breezy and bold production number of the title song, a No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 and country music singles hit for Dolly Parton, who wrote the music and lyrics and sang the song for the movie that she starred in with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.

The DeSales University Act 1 production of “9 to 5,” through May 3, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, opens with the cast of 26 singing and dancing to Parton’s high-energy “9 to 5.” Parton wrote the music and lyrics for the show’s 18 songs.

The April 30 performance was seen for this review.

The DeSales leads Grace Curry (Violet), Joanna Marie (Doralee) and Maya Jean Cappello (Judy) are superb from the get-go in stage presence, acting, singing and dancing.

Amy Scraggs (Roz) is a another triple-threat standout.

Ryan Plunkett (Franklin) proves a humorous foil as the Consolidated Industries corporate office boss described in the musical’s book by Patricia Resnick as a “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot.”

The show’s propulsive and irresistible score transports actors, storyline and theater-goers thanks to the fantastic 12-piece orchestra, with brass, reeds, guitar, keyboards, bass and percussion that includes Musical Director and Conductor Nathan Diehl, rendered powerfully by Sound Designer Vinny Pruchnik.

DeSales “9 to 5” director Valerie Joyce keeps the production going and flowing with nary a rest with Choreographer Karen Getz combining coordinated line movement, stage-encompassing ensemble work and a terrific tap-dance sequence by the men.

Costume Designer Janus Stefanowicz provides detailed attire that enhances character portrayals.

Lighting Designer Eric T. Haugen selects swaths of changing colors for the minimalist set by Scenic Designer David Gallo, who includes half-a-dozen desks, caster-wheel office chairs (for fun choreography), authentic-looking IBM Selectric typewriters and a Xerox machine the size of a Zamboni.

Among this reviewer’s favorite numbers in the DeSales’ “9 to 5” production:

“I Just Might” by Maya Jean Cappello, Joanna Marie and Grace Curry in beautiful harmony.

“Backwoods Barbie” with a stunning singing and dancing Joanna Marie, who conveys that Dolly Parton twang, sass and wig.

“Heart to Hart” with Amy Scraggs in spectacular voice, as well as in “5 to 9.”

“Change It” is an anthem rouser by Joanna Marie, Grace Curry and Maya Jean Cappello and the ensemble that makes one want to jump up from the theater seat.

The finale of the title song, “9 to 5,” brings the show to an exuberant, satisfying and upbeat conclusion.

The DeSales Act 1 student performers, the orchestra and the production staff put a lot of work into “9 to 5” and it works.

Kudos to the closing show of DeSales’ 2025-’26 theater season.

“9 to 5,” 7:30 p.m. April 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, May 1; 2 p.m. April 26, May 3; 9:45 a.m. April 27; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. May 2, DeSales Act 1 Theatre, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley. 610-282-3192; https://www.desales.edu