In "9 to 5 The Musical", Doralee Rhodes is a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and transformation, serving as an inspiration to challenge preconceived notions and to foster an environment of respect, equality, and acceptance.
Doralee is one of the central characters in the musical. She, along with her colleagues Violet Newstead and Judy Bernly, navigate the oppressive and patriarchal world of Consolidated Industries. Despite enduring harassment and facing adversity, Doralee is pivotal in orchestrating a revolution in the workplace, aiming to overthrow their misogynistic boss and instigate change, equality, and respect within the office setting.
We're thrilled to have Betsy Fisher bringing this dynamic character to life each night! Read on to get to know more about Betsy and her experience as Doralee.
Betsy Fisher as Doralee Rhodes
Betsy got her Bachelor’s of Music in Musical Theatre from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas and has been performing and teaching throughout Houston since she moved here in 2013. A few of her favorite roles include, Wait Until Dark (Susan) Urinetown (Hope Cladwell), Secret Garden (Lily), Into the Woods (Florinda), Addams Family (Ancestor) and Mousetrap (Miss Casewell). Betsy would like to thank her husband Taylor for always being in her corner. She dedicates this show to the brave women in her life who have shown her how to stand up and say enough is enough, it’s time to change it.
How long have you been performing and what have been some of your favorite roles?
I have been performing for almost 15 years. Some of my favorite rolls have been: Lily in Secret Garden, Hope in Urinetown, Susan in Wait Until Dark, Grace in The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever, Florinda in Into the Woods, and Winnie Tate in Annie get your gun.
Tell us about your character in 9 to 5.
I play Doralee who is a kind, sexy, spunky woman who always tries to find the good in people and situations. She is great in a crisis and not scared of standing up for herself and others.
How are you like/not like your character?
I feel like I connect with how Doralee’s joyful personality and how she shoots straight. I would say I am different from in style I have never tried to glam but I admire her desire to always look her best and be herself.
When you’re not onstage, how do you spend your time?
I am a video Expert with Cyrano Video. During my free time, I enjoy time with friends and family and listening to audio books.
What should I have asked you?
Which Ted Lasso character I aspire to be.
It’s Leslie Higgins. I know, odd choice. Find me after a show and ask me why!
What’s the best thing about Stageworks?
All the people you meet. So many of my closet friends I met working either in the Acadmey or working on a show - my favorite being my husband Taylor, who I met during Stageworks production of Les Miserables back in 2014.
Grab your tickets to 9 to 5 the Musical - and don't forget that Thursdays are Ladies' Nights! We're also helping women with a female business clothing drive for Dress for Success. We are collecting handbags and closed toe shoes at all performances.
