The new musical has also launched a green website. Photo courtesy of 9 to5.

May 1, 2009 - Broadway is going green, and one new show that just opened on Broadway is taking that to heart. 9 to 5, based on the 1980 workplace comedy with new songs by Dolly Parton, is making sure every step of the production is mindful of its carbon footprint.

9 to 5 is one of the first major musicals to open since the Broadway Goes Green initiative was launched last fall so from the very beginning, the production took its responsibility seriously to do everything it could to create a ‘green’ show.

“Wicked really started [the trend] and went back and greened its production,” said Seth Greenleaf, a member of 9 to 5’s producing team and co-chair of the Broadway Green Alliance. 9 to 5 has the chance to be green from the start.

On the very first day of rehearsals, the cast and crew were given aluminum water bottles that they could fill with filtered tap water instead of using wasteful plastic water bottles. The idea was to get everyone in the habit of reusing and recycling right from the start.

The Nederlander Producing Company of America provided recycle bins and compact fluorescent light bulbs for the entire theatre, including the lights around the mirrors in the dressing rooms. The sound designers are using recharged batteries for the onstage microphones, and the wardrobe department washes all the costumes in cold water using biodegradable detergent.

Even within the show itself, every effort is being made to keep things green. In one scene, copier paper comes flying out of the machine on cue. Since the paper, which is made from 100% recycled paper, can only be used in the machine once to prevent it from jamming, the pieces end up backstage as scrap paper so that nothing is wasted.

Much of the merchandise available for purchase at the theatre was also selected with the environment in mind. Threads For Thought, a local apparel company, created a t-shirt for the show made with organic cotton and water based dyes. On top of that, theatregoers can carry their souvenirs home in 100% recycled paper bags instead of the traditional plastic.

Currently the production is looking into using local organic breweries so that wines and beers wouldn’t have to be shipped from far away places like California and increase carbon emissions.

The production has also launched a unique website – Green from 9 to 5 – highlighting easy, common sense tips everyone can follow during office hours. Among the tips touted on the site: avoiding printing out memos whenever possible, organizing car pools, and buying energy efficient office equipment. The idea behind the site is to capture the attention of the audience and help spread the word.

At every stage of the production, every department and all members of the cast and crew have pitched in to realize the goal of a green Broadway production. “It really is a team effort,” noted Greenleaf. “Everyone involved in the production has shown up to do their part. It’s really important to make a statement so we can hand it down [to the next show].”

9 to 5 opened on Broadway on April 30, 2009.

The Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting’s website provides numerous tips and resources for productions shooting on location in the City. For more information, visit NYC Green Screen.