Ben Sandomir & Jeanine Gangloff Levy (Photo: Ian Ibbetson)
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Slow Burn Theatre Company and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts present the Tony Award-nominated musical “9 to 5” in the Amaturo Theatre Thursday, March 28 through Sunday, April 14.

With music and lyrics by country superstar Dolly Parton and book by screenwriter Patricia Resnick, this musical is based on the 20th Century Fox film of the same name and features Parton’s infectious country-rock score with “Backwoods Barbie,” “Shine Like the Sun,” “Get Out and Stay Out” and the Grammy-winning title song.

Pushed to the boiling point, three female workers concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, lying boss Mr. Hart. Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasies giving their workplace a makeover and taking control of the company that has always kept them down.

Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of “9 to 5” stars Laura Hodos, Erica Lustig and Jeanine Gangloff Levy with Ben Sandomir as the company’s boss. Other members of this talented cast are Cindy Pierce, Clay Cartland, Stephen Hedger, Chris Alvarez, Jinon Deeb, Nicolette Quintero, Mike Cartwright, Sandi Stock, and Sabrina Gore with an ensemble featuring Jerel Brown, James Giordano, Sahid Pabon, Robert Fritz, Nicole Kinzel, Sara Grant, Kristi Rose Mills, and Alexandra Frost.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Ben Sandomir who plays Franklin Hart, Jr. for this Hotspots interview:

When did the acting bug get you?

I was in elementary school and my mom made me a caterpillar outfit for “Alice in Wonderland” that had 6 moving arms. It made it fun, and I wanted to be on stage and have never stopped wanting to!  

What was your first professional/paid gig?

I did Young Patrick when I was 12.

Other than this one, what has been your favorite role and why?

I played Jean Valjean in “Les Miz. It’s my favorite show and favorite role. I wouldn’t mind singing that role for the rest of my life.

What is your fantasy role?

I would love to do a Tevya in “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Is there additional pressure in this role since it’s such an iconic movie?

A little bit, I used to love Dabney Coleman growing up. Its big shoes to fill, but it’s a nice challenge.

What other Slow Burn productions have you been in?

“Disaster,” “Big Fish,” “Dog Fight,” “Heathers,” and “Peter and the Star Catcher.”

What should our readers expect from this production of “9 to 5”?

They should expect to laugh a lot, and it’s a feel good fun show. Everyone gets to collectively hate the same person, and love the other three.

Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. with a performance on Wednesday, April 3, at 1 p.m.

Tickets are $47-60. $25 Student and Teacher tickets are available by choosing STUDENT or TEACHER ticket type. Must be picked up at Will Call on day of the show with valid Student or Teacher ID. Two (2) ticket limit per ID. Buy tickets online at BrowardCenter.org, SlowBurnTheatre.org, or Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222.

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Scott Holland