Dolly: A True Original Musical

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Dolly
A True Original Musical
Music Dolly Parton
LyricsDolly Parton
Book Dolly Parton
Maria S. Schlatter
PremiereJuly 2025: Belmont University, Nashville
Productions2025 Nashville

Dolly: A True Original Musical 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.

Contents

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 will feature 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]

In June 2024, Parton announced a new musical, titled at the time Hello, I'm Dolly. [5]

In late 2024, producers announced an open casting call, prompting thousands of submissions on social media. [6] [7] [8] Two actors from that search were cast in the 2025 production in Nashville. [8]

Productions

The musical premiered in July 2025 at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee. [9] [10] Tony winner Bartlett Sher directed the production. [1] Carrie St. Louis, Katie Rose Clarke, and Quinn Titcomb will all portray Parton at various stages of her life. [1] [2]

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.