Dolly: A True Original Musical

Dolly
A True Original Musical
Artwork for Hello, I'm Dolly, a working title
MusicDolly Parton
LyricsDolly Parton
BookDolly Parton
Maria S. Schlatter
PremiereJuly 2025: Nashville
Productions2025 Nashville

Dolly: A True Original Musical (also known as Hello, I'm Dolly) is a stage musical based on the life and career of American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. In addition to Parton's music and lyrics, she co-wrote the book and collaborated as a producer. The production premiered in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2025, and was announced to premiere on Broadway in December 2026 at the St. James Theatre.

Premise

Parton's autobiography offers a "rags-to-riches story from her barefoot beginnings in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee to performing in platform heels under the bright lights of Hollywood."[1] The musical features Parton's hit songs as well as new songs.[2]

Development

The first table read for an untitled musical based on Dolly Parton's life took place in 2023, with Carrie St. Louis reading for the music superstar.[3][4] Parton announced plans for the new musical in June 2024, initially titled Hello, I'm Dolly.[5]

Producers subsequently announced an open casting call for Dolly: An Original Musical, prompting thousands of submissions on social media.[6][7][8] Two actors from the search were cast in the 2025 Nashville production.[8]

Productions

2025 Nashville premiere

The musical premiered in July 2025 at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee, running July 18 through August 17, 2025, with an official opening on August 8.[9][10] Tony winner Bartlett Sher directed the production.[1] Carrie St. Louis, Katie Rose Clarke, and Quinn Titcomb all portrayed Parton at various stages of her life.[1][2][11]

The production received generally positive reception, with Knox News praising the show as an "honest, hilarious musical" and the "amazing performances and stellar songs."[12] American Songwriter similarly lauded the production as a "triumph,"[13] while Cowboys & Indians noted the show's pacing needed work, noting it was "slow to take off" and "palpably rushed" at other parts.[14]

2026 Broadway production

The production was announced to premiere on Broadway beginning in December 2026 at the St. James Theatre. The production is set to begin previews on December 7, 2026, with an official opening on January 19, 2027, which would have been Parton's 81st birthday. A cast is to be announced.[15][16][17][18]

Cast and characters

Character 2025 Nashville[19]
Dolly Parton Katie Rose Clarke
Carrie St. Louis
Quinn Titcomb
Porter Wagoner John Zdrojeski
Sandy Gallin Jacob Fishel
Judy Ogle Beth Malone
Little Judy Ogle Tabitha Lawing
Uncle Bill Danny Wolohan

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Carrie St. Louis, Katie Rose Clarke and Quinn Titcomb to Star as Dolly Parton in World Premiere of Dolly: An Original Musical". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  2. 1 2 "Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, Quinn Titcomb to Play Dolly Parton in New Musical - TheaterMania.com". 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  3. ↑ Young, Casey (2025-05-07). ""We Were Bamboozled" – Fans Think The 'Search For Dolly' Open Casting Call Might've Just Been A Marketing Ploy". Whiskey Riff. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  4. ↑ "The Desert Sun Subscription Offers, Specials, and Discounts". subscribe.desertsun.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  5. ↑ "Hello, I'm Dolly, Based on the Life and Career of Dolly Parton, Eyes Broadway for 2026". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  6. ↑ Hollabaugh, Lorie (2025-02-18). "'Dolly: An Original Musical' Announces Casting Call Results". MusicRow.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  7. ↑ "Hello, Dollys! Meet the Finalists to Play the Title Role in Dolly: An Original Musical". Playbill. Archived from the original on 2025-05-09. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  8. 1 2 Evans, Greg (2025-05-05). "Dolly Parton Announces Cast For Pre-Broadway Production Of Musical 'Dolly'". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  9. ↑ "Dolly Parton's Dolly: An Original Musical Will Have Its Pre-Broadway World Premiere in Nashville This Summer". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  10. ↑ Cochrane, Emily (2025-07-20). "Dolly Parton Musical's Nashville Debut Draws Flocks of Fans". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-07-20.
  11. ↑ "Beth Malone, More on Board for Broadway-Aimed Dolly Parton Musical". Playbill. July 7, 2026. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Dolly Parton musical highlights Queen of Country". Knox News. August 11, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Dolly Parton's Musical is a Triumph". American Songwriter. August 12, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Review: Dolly Delights in Nashville". Cowboys & Indians. August 12, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Dolly Parton Musical to Open on Broadway in Winter 2026". The Hollywood Reporter. February 12, 2026. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Dolly Musical Will Open on Broadway in 2027". Playbill. July 7, 2026. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Dolly Parton Musical Broadway Opening Date". Deadline. July 7, 2026. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Dolly Parton musical "Hello, I'm Dolly" coming to Broadway in 2027". CBS New York. July 7, 2026. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
  19. ↑ "Beth Malone, More on Board for Broadway-Aimed Dolly Parton Musical". Playbill. July 7, 2026. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
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