It’s a sweltering recent Sunday afternoon in Atlanta, and looking at the sweat-stained radio hosts Sir Daniel (Adrian Daniel) and Drama Dupree (Brian Taylor) as they prepare for the 51st episode of Better Days Radio, it’s apparent that everyone is feeling the heat.
The small studio they occupy is cooled by a single fan and it’s taking a while to set up the equipment and the circulation. Despite the scorching weather, Daniel and Taylor are jovial, making small talk about the day’s episode and joking with their engineer about men and sex.
As the show’s disco-inspired intro finally kicks in and the countdown to air begins they instantly transform into an explosive radio duo.
“American Idol” veteran and local girl Diana DeGarmo grew up idolizing Dolly Parton, so it’s somewhat fitting that she’s now taking on the role the singer played in the film “9 to 5” in the touring version of the new musical.
With music and lyrics written by Parton, “9 to 5: The Musical” debuted on Broadway last year. DeGarmo saw that version, liked it and was naturally receptive to doing the tour. She’d seen the movie with Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin several times, even though it was released before she was even born.
According to DeGarmo, there are subtle differences in the musical but for the most part the plot is the same — a trio of secretaries bond and decide to get even with their boss. In doing so, they practically take over their company. Parton has written new songs for the musical, but not surprisingly the show opens with her popular, titular song.