Eimear Reynolds channels her inner Dolly Parton for St Mel's Musical Society, Longford production of 9 to 5

Classically-trained soprano Eimear Reynolds will take to the stage in April to play the Dolly Parton-inspired role of Doralee Rhodes in St Mel’s Musical Society’s upcoming production of 9 to 5.

Doralee is a fun, light-hearted character who has given everyone in the office the wrong impression because of how she looks.

As the show develops she proves that you should never judge a book by its cover.

“I love the witty script and strong female character of Doralee,” said Eimear.

“I don’t exactly look like her, so sourcing costumes and developing the right look is a challenge but great fun and I love getting to give myself a completely different look.”

Doralee has some great scenes with her work colleagues, Judy and Violet, who very much become the three musketeers on stage. She also had some great scenes with Franklin Hart, who is being played by Eimear’s good friend Paul Hennessy.

“Paul and I perform together in concerts but in this show we have a very different stage relationship. It’s reassuring to share the stage with good friends who make the whole experience so enjoyable,” Eimear explained.

And, she said, the most challenging thing about the character is the accent.

“I’ve been listening to clips of Dolly Parton everywhere I can to try nail the Texas accent — it’s not easy,” she said.

“Doralee is essentially Dolly Parton (with all exaggerated assets!), a hugely iconic person who everyone knows, so it is very important to try resemble her character as best I can.”

9 to 5 will run for nine shows in the Backstage Theatre from April 5 to 13. Tickets are available from 0433347888 or backstage.ie.

Read also: Natasha working round the clock for St Mel's Musical Society's production of 9 to 5 in Longford's Backstage Theatre