Despite the on-going writer's strike, Allison Janney is gearing up to begin rehearsals for Dolly Parton's stage musical version of 9 to 5, in which she will be playing the part portrayed by Lily Tomlin, her co-star from The West Wing.

"Lily is thrilled that I'm doing it," Janney said. "I'm doing my singing and dancing lessons and getting myself in shape."

Parton wrote the adapation for the on-stage production. The play will include new songs penned by the country hall-of-famer. One of the songs, "Backwoods Barbie," is the title track to her new studio album due in stores Feb. 5.

The production will kick off in Los Angeles in September before maybe moving to Broadway.

Labels: Dolly Parton