"It's So Fun Playing the Villain:” 9 to 5 Cast Interview with Ryan Butler

Freshman Music Theatre major Ryan Butler will be one of the featured actors in THD’s upcoming production of 9 to 5 The Musical, running April 26 – May 5, 2024 at UB Center for the Arts. Cast as Franklin Hart, Jr., a role originated by character actor Dabney Coleman in the 1980 movie, Ryan tells us what audiences can expect during the two-weekend run. Get best seats early!

What’s been your favorite part of the rehearsal process and preparing to play the role of Franklin Hart, Jr?

My favorite part of the rehearsal process is definitely getting on stage and being able to use the set for the first time. It's so fun to be able to translate blocking from the KCT (Katharine Cornell Theatre, where rehearsals are held) to the Drama Theatre stage (at UB Center for the Arts). In preparing to play Franklin Hart Jr. my favorite part was probably learning how to embody a character that is so different from who I am as a person.

Before you were cast, did you see the original movie upon which the musical is based? Or after? If so, what did you think of it and what are some differences or aspects of the musical which might surprise patrons who are only familiar with the movie?

I watched the movie for the first time after being cast as Hart. It's interesting to see how different the character is in the musical. If you ask me, Hart is a bit more aggressive in the musical than the movie. You'll have to come see the show to know what I'm talking about!

Is it fun to play the villain? How badly do Hannah, Sophia and Kyra treat you in character as Judy, Violet, and Doralee? :-> How do you manage the line between what makes him awful and what perhaps makes him comically amusing?

It is so fun to play the villain. Sophia, Kyra, and Hannah treat me how I should be treated. Harshly. While working on my character, finding the difference between the comedy and the hideousness of the character's actions was difficult. But I just focused on hitting the comedic beats written into the show while also showing what a terrible person Hart is, so the audience truly hates the character. While also maybe loving him a bit.

What’s your favorite song to sing in the show, and why?

My favorite song to sing in the show is a bit biased, but it's got to be "Here For You". My Unbiased choice would probably be the title number "9 to 5".

Have you ever had a role like Franklin Hart before? What’s been the most challenging aspect? Is it difficult to play a role which is so famous in pop culture? What have you tried to do to make it ‘yours?’

I actually have played a role close to Hart before. Playing Shakespeare in Something Rotten felt very similar. The most challenging aspect may actually be keeping a straight face during the silly parts of the show. I wouldn't say it's that difficult to play this kind of a role, it just takes some research and practice. To make it mine I've worked on certain mannerisms and inflections to bring out a part of Hart that no one has seen.

If you were asked to make a one sentence ‘pitch’ to a potential patron about why they should see this particular production of “9 to 5,” what would you say?

Come see the show, we worked really "Hart" on it. :)

Seriously, come see this amazing production, you won't regret it. Catchy tunes and a great message. What more can you ask for?!