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LOS ANGELES (CBS) ― Dolly Parton's new musical "9 to 5" officially opens Saturday at the Ahmanson Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles. I had the good fortune of attending the press junket and got to hobnob with Dolly and the cast.

First, you need to understand, I've been a huge Dolly Parton fan and a fan of the movie "9 to 5" since my early days as a poor, dirt farmer's son from Arkansas.

Being Dolly's biggest fan in the newsroom earned me the privilege to meet the country diva.

I've met many celebrities, but rarely one that hits "home" the way she does. I have to admit, I was excited and more than a little nervous.

"9 to 5" is, of course, the story of three female office workers, who take their boss hostage and give their workplace a major makeover. (Note: I SURELY can not relate to people wanting to tie up their bosses, of course. People who work at CBS 2 and KCAL 9 say they like me...even the web department! Okay, most of the web department!)

"9 to 5" is also about the relationship between three unlikely friends. That, along with the humor and scheme, is what has made "9 to 5" so endearing. And enduring. My friends and I have watched it dozens of times. We can quote all the dialog. Everyone I know is very exited to see the musical incarnation.

Lined up with a half-dozen other media outlets in the lobby of the Ahmanson Theatre, I prepared to meet Dolly face-to-face. Miss Parton strutted in wearing a white and silver mini-dress with "9-2-5" emblazoned on the skirt.

While waiting my turn to chat with Dolly -- who wrote the music and lyrics for this show -- I got to interview the cast.

Multimple Emmy-winner Allison Janney, of "West Wing" fame, is positively sublime. She has this amazing presence that really draws you to her. She says playing Violet Newstead is like running a marathon every night. She told me the only reason she is not completely intimidated to play the role originated by Lily Tomlin is because she is friends with Lily. For the purists out there, don't worry, Allison's Violet also wears kimonos in the office.

Stephanie J. Block plays Judy Bernly. I've seen Stephanie twice before on stage -- playing Liza Minelli in "The Boy From Oz" and Elphaba in "Wicked." Anyone who has heard her sing knows she is amazing on stage and she is also quite charming in person. She said she was desperate to play the Jane Fonda role. And she hopes Jane likes what she's done with the role. (How could she not?)

Megan Hilty is another "Wicked" alum. She just finished a stint as Glinda in the Los Angeles production. Megan says she was so excited when she got the role of Doralee Rhodes and then terrified that she would have to play the part in front of Dolly. She and the other women all agree that Dolly is the heart and soul of this production.

Megan says all her fears were put to rest the second she met Dolly.

Finally, it was my turn to interview the one-and-only Dolly Parton. (Do I still sound star struck? Probably.)

When she stuck out her hand, I said "Oh, no. I need a hug." She embraced me and said "You get your hug. I'll take all the hugs I can get."

I'm surprised I could continue.

She was the sweetest thing -- ever. We talked about what it was like for her to write a musical. She said "I've never done it. I don't know if I can do it. I'll give it a try. Don't feel bad if it don't work. I'll give it a whirl."

She says the show is faithful to the movie with the addition of singing. Sounds good to me. I'll be there on Saturday for opening night. Just not in a kimono!

-Jason Ball, Senior Executive Producer,
CBS 2 and KCAL 9 News

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