Dolly: A True Original Musical
2025 musical by Dolly Parton
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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.
| Dolly | |
|---|---|
| A True Original Musical | |
Artwork for Hello, I'm Dolly, a working title | |
| Music | Dolly Parton |
| Lyrics | Dolly Parton |
| Book | Dolly Parton Maria S. Schlatter |
| Premiere | July 2025: Nashville |
| Productions | 2025 Nashville |
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 is also Dolly Parton's birthday. Sher will return to direct with a cast 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 |