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    The CultureMap Interview

    Diana DeGarmo fills Dolly Parton's 'shoes' and wonders why Idol ever pushed outPaula Abdul

    Sarah Rufca
    Nov 2, 2010 | 8:10 am
    • Dolly Parton and Diana DeGarmo
      Photo by Joan Marcus
    • Diana DeGarmo as Doralee Rhodes in "9 to 5" at TUTS
      Photo by Joan Marcus
    • The cast of TUTS' production of "9 to 5"
      Photo by Joan Marcus

    It's 1979. For three working women, their hair was big but their dreams were bigger. Frankly we're not sure why it took nearly 30 years to bring the classic comedy 9 to 5 to the stage, but with a Tony Award-winning score from Dolly Parton, the first-ever national tour of 9 to 5: The Musical stars Broadway vets Dee Hoty, Mamie Parris and American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo stepping into the role of Doralee Rhodes originated by Parton herself.

    The Theatre Under The Stars production will run at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts from November 9-21. CultureMap caught up with DeGarmo to get her thoughts on Parton, country music and the American Idol shakeup.

    CultureMap: Were you a big 9 to 5 fan before?

    Diana DeGarmo: I've been a big fan of the movie because I'm a big Dolly Parton, fan but I really got into it when I saw the Broadway show last year.

    CM: How does it feel to step into Dolly Parton's role?

    DD: It is a big, broad feel, for lack of a better word. It's exciting and it's fun and I know that I'm giving my all and having a great time doing it. Having Dolly's support definitely erased any fears of the role, even though the first couple weeks you always say "What have I gotten myself into?!"

    CM: How much is your performance influenced by her? How have you made the role your own?

    DD: I do my own interpretation, I'm not a Dolly Parton impersonator. Dolly created so many quirks for the role, and many of them are still there. A lot of it is similar to who Dolly is as a person, the accent and the, um, physical traits that I don't really have. [Laughs]

    The rest of it is how Doralee has her own walk, she's got her own little giggle, she's kind of a spice-and-everything-nice girl but you don't want to mess with her because she'll turn a rooster into a hen in one shot.

    CM: How is performing in the theater different from performing on American Idol? Did your experience help you make that transition?

    DD: What's very similar to Idol is you're working all the time. On Idol you may only sing two nights a week but you're preparing or working the other five nights. Theater is the same way, it's a lot of work, we're performing six nights a week and we travel on our day off. Being on tour is even harder, each venue is a little different, each city is different — the South gets more of the Doralee jokes, some other places the jokes might not be understood as well.

    CM: You've been working on a country album, has 9 to 5 inspired you?

    DD: I love playing Doralee, she's the first character who's similar to who I am as a person. It's the first show that's bridged the gap between my musical theater world and my recording world. It's so great to perform country music up on stage, people have been trying to do a country musical for a while now and this is the first one that's really taken off.

    For example, when I perform "Backwoods Barbie," it's the story of Doralee's life and it's also the story of Dolly's life and just such a beautiful song and I love singing it every night.

    CM: It's so refreshing to see a show with three strong female leads. How do you work off each other?

    DD: We really lucked out with casting, we get along really well. When they have to be mean to Doralee it's really hard! But that's how it is at the beginning because people don't really understand Doralee. Jeff Calhoun, the director, says there are two things he does well: tapdancing and casting.

    He really knows how to cast well, to pick people who will work well together. It's fun to see three very different women conquer the world and conquer the workplace. And I should add that guys can come to and crack up. We've come so far the in the way women are treated we can look back at the absurdity and laugh. If things hadn't changed so much it might be a little more uncomfortable.

    CM: Back to Idol, I'm curious what you think about the new judges.

    DD: I'm a big believer that if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and that's what they started doing with the fourth judge, and then taking out Paula (Abdul). I think the three originals will always be the best but it will be exciting with J-Lo and Steven Tyler to see who's gonna take what position.

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    These are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Mar 18, 2026 | 6:30 pm
    Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta
    Photo courtesy of Buffalo Bayou Partnership
    The 51st regatta is back with an new start and finish line.

    This weekend will be a heavily musical one – and we’re not just talking about the listening parties for the new BTS album happening here, here, here, here, and here.

    We’re talking about a three-day metal fest at White Oak Music Hall, an intimate performance from George Ducas at Hotel Saint Augustine, a bit of Beethoven at Houston Symphony, a kids’ day of music at the Heights, a Women’s History Month concert thrown by the Community Music Center of Houston, and, of course, Cody Johnson's closing night concert at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo.

    And don’t forget about seeing the Fab Four on the big screen again.

    Thursday, March 19

    Hell's Heroes
    The three-day metal free-for-all known as Hell’s Heroes VIII will feature exclusive sets from Blood Fire Death (featuring current and former members of European metal bands Watain, Emperor, Mayhem, Aura Noir, and more); Japanese heavy metal ensemble Loudness; German metal legend Doro Pesch (performing the 1987 LP Triumph and Agony, by her former band Warlock); Norwegian black metal legends Enslaved (performing its 1987 debut LP Vikingligr Veldi); and Canadian avant-garde greats Voivod. Noon.

    Houston Latino Film Festival
    Over at the Houston Latino Film Festival, audiences can expect special guest filmmaker Q&As, industry conversations, and community-centered events that celebrate a decade legacy while spotlighting the next generation of Latino filmmakers and creatives. Highlights will include a 45th anniversary screening of Zoot Suit with actor Daniel Valdez in attendance; Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood; and closing night film The Dog, My Father and Us. 5 pm (2 pm Friday; 10 am Saturday; 11:30 am Sunday).

    Hotel Saint Augustine presents “Rodeo Rendezvous: The Lyric Hour – Songs & Storytelling with George Ducas”
    Grammy-nominated recording artist and multi-platinum songwriter George Ducas will return to his hometown for a special acoustic performance at Hotel Saint Augustine, as part of the property’s 2026 Rodeo programming. Known for his distinctive blend of classic honky-tonk and modern country storytelling, Ducas will present an intimate songwriter-style performance featuring songs from across his recording and writing career, along with the stories behind them. 6 pm.

    UH Cougars Watch Party at The Plaza at Avenida Houston
    The No. 2-seeded Cougars will take on No. 15 Idaho Vandals in the first round of the NCAA Division | Men’s Basketball Tournament. While the game is in Oklahoma City, fans can cheer on the team at this official watch party, which will feature the game on a massive 20-foot LED screen as well as on multiple 80-inch monitors. A DJ, selfie stations, and games with prizes round out the experience. 7:40 pm (tip-off at 9 pm).

    Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta
    Photo courtesy of Buffalo Bayou Partnership

    The Buffalo Bayou Regatta is back.

    Friday, March 20

    The Ensemble Theatre presents Choir Boy
    The Ensemble Theatre continues its Rooted in Destiny season with the coming-of-age production Choir Boy. Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney (who penned the play the Oscar-winning Moonlight was based on), it follows a group of young, Black students at Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, as they navigate issues of identity and sexuality. Choir Boy landed among the bright lights of Broadway’s 2019 season, eventually becoming a 2019 Tony nominee for Best Play. Through Sunday, March 12. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

    The Horizon Theatre presents Dear Evan Hansen
    Dear Evan Hansen is a musical about life and the way we live it. The production will officially kick off The Horizon Theatre's brand-new Immersive Theater Series, featuring one production each season in a non-traditional theater space. By moving out of the traditional theatre setting and into the multi-sensory environment of Seismique, Horizon is inviting the audience to step directly into Evan’s world. This isn't just a show; it's an experience that blurs the line between the stage and the audience. Through Sunday, March 29. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

    Houston Ballet presents Broken Wings
    Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings is a narrative ballet inspired by Frida Kahlo’s life and art. The ballet highlights Kahlo’s transformation of personal pain into art, focusing on her unapologetic personality and deep connection to her Mexican roots. Diego Rivera, Kahlo’s husband and creative partner, plays a central role in her life and work. Through Broken Wings, Lopez Ochoa celebrates Kahlo’s resilience and the indigenous influences in her art, offering a powerful portrayal of her legacy. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

    Houston Symphony presents "Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony + Timpani World Premiere"
    The most famous four notes in history launch a towering masterpiece for the ages in Beethoven’s legendary Fifth Symphony. Award-winning composer Andy Akiho is known for bold, immersive music that shatters preconceptions, and the Symphony will present the world premiere of his Timpani Concerto, written especially for principal timpanist Leonardo Soto. The concert will be conducted by music director Juraj Valčuha. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

    Saturday, March 21

    Buffalo Bayou Partnership presents Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta
    The annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta is the largest canoe and kayak race in Texas. This tradition brings together hundreds of paddlers for a scenic and spirited race through the heart of the city - all while supporting Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s ongoing work to create and steward parks, trails, and unique destinations along the bayou. Please note participants are required to bring or reserve their own boats.Minimum entry age is 12. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 8 am.

    Heights Kids' Day of Music
    The annual Heights Kids' Day of Music connects children and families directly with Houston arts organizations, showcasing local musicians. The festival features live performances, hands-on musical exploration in the Instrument Petting Zoo and Joy of Drumming tent, interactive arts activities, and opportunities to engage with more than 30 local arts organizations such as Houston Ballet, HITS Theatre, and Houston Youth Symphony. 10 am.

    Discovery Green presents Girls on the Green
    Discovery Green celebrates Women’s History Month with the third annual Girls on the Green. The event kicks off with DJ Gracie Chavez and a reading from Houston’s Youth Poet Laureate, Kaviya Dhir. There will also be live music from Houston’s own Garbage Girlfriend, followed by a panel featuring women leaders who encourage girls of all ages to reach for their goals. Enjoy themed photo ops, explore a curated flea market filled with women makers and bakers, and end the evening with a special outdoor screening of Wonder Woman. 4 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Movie Night at Bayou Bend | A Hard Day’s Night
    Just one month after the Beatles exploded onto the U.S. scene with their Ed Sullivan Show appearance, John, Paul, George, and Ringo began working on a project that would bring their revolutionary talent to the big screen. That movie became the 1964 musical comedy classic A Hard Day’s Night, which the MFAH and Bayou Bend will be showing this weekend. The screening takes place in the Diana Garden tent. Light refreshments are available. 7 pm.

    Sunday, March 22

    Agnes and Sherman x Food Mahjong Club
    Agnes and Sherman will be collaborating with Food Mahjong Club for a one-night-only ticketed event celebrating food, culture, and community. Chef/co-owner Nick Wong will serve a selection of bites that showcase his signature culinary approach, and beverage director David Perez will complement the menu with a playful cocktail program sponsored by D’USSÉ. The evening will begin with open mahjong play, followed by an amateur tournament, with a winner announced at the end of the night. 5 pm.

    Community Music Center of Houston presents CMCH Women’s History Month Concert
    The CMCH Women's History Month Concert is a lively in-person event showcasing the power and creativity of women in music. Hosted by former ABC13 news anchor Melanie Lawson, the concert features guest artists from across the country: Steinway Hall of Fame pianist Donna Weng Friedman, critically acclaimed composer Stefania de Kenessey, and master double bassist Dr. Jacqueline Pickett. It will be led by Dr. Anne Lundy, the first Black woman to conduct the Houston Symphony Orchestra, with the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra, 5 pm.

    DACAMERA at the Eldorado: Rising Jazz Stars - Sarah Hanahan
    Based in New York, Sarah Hanahan was named Rising Star Alto Saxophonist in Downbeat’s 2025 Critics Poll. She has performed with renowned musicians such as Jeff “Tain” Watts, Nat Reeves, Peter Martin, Steve Davis, Billy Hart, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jason Moran, Marc Cary, Joseph Farnsworth, Peter Washington, and Nicholas Payton. She regularly leads her own group at iconic New York venues including Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club, Smoke Jazz Club, Birdland, and Zinc Bar. 5 & 7 pm.

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