Workin' "9 to 5" in Duluth, Minnesota
- Haley Methner
- Jul 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Howdy, y'all! Currently, I am playing Doralee in The Duluth Playhouse's production of 9 to 5 at the historic NorShor Theater!
People who know me are aware that I am quite familiar with the lovely city of Duluth. I completed my undergraduate studies in Theater at The University of MN, Duluth, worked at several name-stay restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops, and enjoyed performing in various theater venues. In total, I've lived in Duluth for about seven transformative years.
Having spent two years residing in the Twin Cities, I was presented with a wonderful oppurtunity to go back to my beloved city as a guest artist! It feels surreal, to say the least. Coming back to Duluth with a new outlook, excited for a role and production that truly matters to me.
The character I play, Doralee Rhodes, was first portrayed by the legendary country singer, Dolly Parton, in the film 9 to 5 (a must-watch if you haven't seen it!). Dolly later composed the music for the stage adaptation. She infuses her infectious confidence and drive, with her fun and suggestive sense of humor into this show. It's a big ol' romp!
As an actor, my role is to merge the existing knowledge about a character with my own life experiences in order to play them authentically. My challenge lies in figuring out how to embody the confidence and charisma of the iconic figure that is Dolly Parton. She is on the next level over all of us it seems, but one of the main lessons she teaches us is to not judge a book by it's cover. Doralee proudly identifies herself as a "Backwoods Barbie," wearing big hair and bold makeup paired with form-fitting attire. Unfortunately, her character and intellect are often underestimated due to her looks. I can relate to this, recalling moments when I was dismissed solely because of my gender, or when my style and personality were used as an excuse for harassment.
Despite being set in 1979, the show's themes of harassment and inequality resonate as remarkably contemporary. I appreciate our stage director Ann Bergeron for her humanistic perspective, which serves as an important reminder that empowering women and other marginalized communities lifts society as a whole.
Here are some of my favorite places and activities in Duluth!
Favorite coffee shop: 190 Coffee and Tea. I'm here right now sipping a sparkling espresso. 10/10
Favorite Restaurants: For taste, Duluth Grille. For vibes, Sir Benedict's Tavern.
Favorite brewery: Blacklist brewing and Ursa Minor. Ursa has the best N/A beer!
Favorite activities: Lake superior agate collecting and walking nature trails. Duluth is known as one of the best outdoor cities in the U.S.
I believe the central theme of my experience revolves around how familiarity can exist with change. While I have collaborated with many of these artists in the past, I am meeting many fresh, talented individuals who are influencing the arts scene. Although I lived here previously, it now appears larger, offering opportunities that had previously eluded me. I've even played this role in high school, yet my life experience enables me to play Doralee with greater depth. This journey has been both beautiful and humbling. I am having the best time here working on my twang! I hope you get the chance to see 9 to 5. We open this week!
Yee-Haw!
Haley Methner
9 to 5 runs from July 12th - July 28th, 2024
Want to know more about this production? Check out this article by Jay Gabler from the Duluth News Tribune: https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/lifestyle/arts-and-entertainment/it-may-be-summer-but-duluth-playhouse-is-working-9-to-5?fbclid=IwY2xjawD5EHdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfyTtbFLV6i6kTy1ZOUmnT0QOQgLiGuetpxvBzyjVdT634uL_MIIV9tL6A_aem_N7LicCMRTGQSh1G4qZBh0g
Want to know more about me? Check out this blog post from the Duluth Playhouse:
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