In early December, Ms. Madenharold, the director of the theater department at Allderdice High School, announced that Dice students would be putting on a production of the musical 9 to 5. The musical is based on the classic 1980 film about three female coworkers who are fed up with their misogynistic boss in the workplace. Students were ecstatic with her musical selection and were ready to begin working immediately.

Unfortunately, at the last minute, Ms. Madenharold had to step down from her position as director due to personal reasons. With the administration scrambling to find a new director in time for rehearsals, the hunt for the best director they could find commenced. Several teachers volunteered, yet one specific teacher was far more enthusiastic than the rest– Mr. Huffer. Huffer was reportedly the first in line at Dr. McBigBoy’s door when the interviews for a new director began.

I had a chance to briefly talk to Dr. McBigBoy about the interview that was conducted. McBigBoy commented, “Obviously I cannot go into great detail about our conversation, but Mr. Huffer was over the moon about the musical selection to say the least. He came into my office singing Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 under his breath, and when he sat down, he practically poured out his heart when speaking about the musical. When I finished the interview, I knew there was no need to look much further. There was no way I would be able to find someone as passionate about this musical as Mr. Huffer is.”

I was able to speak with Mr. Huffer about the importance of this musical for him. “Well, it is probably my greatest honor yet directing it,” he commented. “I remember when the film 9 to 5 came out in 1980. I probably saw it at least six times in the theater. I really identified with Dolly Parton's character since she was so strong-willed and independent. Then, years later, the musical came out, and it rocked my world!”

Mr. Huffer went on to talk about how he got to meet the original Broadway cast and has a signed poster hanging up in his living room. Then I asked him about what he wants to bring to the Allderdice production of 9 to 5. Huffer said, “Well, first off, I feel like I can bring a unique authenticity to my position as director since I know this musical like the back of my hand. I even have props I can bring in from home to elevate the production! I brought in my shotgun for Darlee to use during the live performance.”

He ended our conversation with a touching note, “I really want to encapsulate the feminist energy I felt exuding out of both the movie and musical the first time I saw it,” he said grinning, “The story is extremely important, and I just want people to walk out of the auditorium with a new appreciation for the strength that those who identify with the female gender truly hold.”

I had the pleasure of being able to sit in on a couple of the final rehearsals. Mr. Huffer repeatedly talked to the students about their “blocking” and regularly took over one of the main three women's (Doralee, Violet, Judy) roles to exemplify how he imagined they would best deliver the line.

After rehearsal was over, I had a moment to speak with some of the cast members. The senior who is playing Darlee commented, “I have been doing school musicals at Dice for four years now, and I have never seen anyone so excited about a production. I have yet to work with a director who is as deeply involved in the musical as he is. Whenever we rehearse, he knows every step to the choreography and will do it along with us. Periodically, he will come into rehearsals wearing a blonde wig, similar to Dolly Parton's hair in the movie, and perform his rendition of Backwoods Barbie, a song performed by Darlee in the musical.”

A sophomore added, “He didn’t even cast understudies for the musical because he said he can play every role flawlessly if need be.”

Another junior said, “It is like this musical awakens something in him. When we rehearse the Nine to Five (Finale) song, he is brought to tears every single time. We always have to take a five-minute break afterwards so he can compose himself.”

Before the students left their final rehearsal, Mr. Huffer shared a few words of wisdom with the group. “I hope you all found this musical to be as important and meaningful as I do. In divisive times like these, a musical like 9 to 5 can really bring us all together,” he said while wiping away a tear. “I truly believe that 9 to 5 can make America great again."