‘Dolly: An Original Musical’ will open at the St. James Theatre in New York City on Jan. 19, 2027, Parton’s 81st birthday
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NEED TO KNOW
- Dolly: An Original Musical will open on Broadway in January 2027 after a record-breaking premiere in Nashville
- The show features Dolly Parton’s biggest hits and new songs she wrote, plus a book co-written by Parton herself
- Directed by Bartlett Sher, the musical explores Parton’s life story and her rise to becoming a global superstar
Broadway audiences will soon be saying “Hello, Dolly!” again.
Dolly: An Original Musical — based on the life of country-music legend and philanthropist Dolly Parton — will open on Broadway this winter following a world premiere run in Nashville last year, producers have announced.
Preview performances will begin Dec. 7 at New York City’s St. James Theatre, with opening night set for Jan. 19, 2027 (which happens to be Parton’s 81st birthday).
Directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, the show chronicles the rise of the Grammy-winning superstar, tracing the Backwoods Barbie’s journey “from the top of the Smoky Mountains to the top of the world,” according to the synopsis. Follow the dreams, the setbacks and the triumphs that helped transform Parton into one of music’s most enduring stars.
“My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really and I can’t wait to present it to you on Broadway,” Parton said in a statement. “I hope you enjoy watching as much as I’ve enjoyed livin’ it.”
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Parton’s signature biggest hits — including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5” — will make up the score, which will be filled out with new songs the singer-songwriter wrote especially for the show. She also penned the book, collaborating with two-time Emmy Award winner Maria S. Schlatter.
The Broadway production follows a sold-out premiere engagement in Nashville that became the most successful production in the history of Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
Casting for the Broadway engagement has not yet been announced, but three actresses three actresses — Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis and Quinn Titcomb — shared the role of Dolly during the out of town tryout, each depicting the icon at different stages of her rise to superstardom. Parton’s humble beginnings were portrayed by Titcomb as ‘Little Dolly,’ while St. Louis, as ‘Dolly,’ covered the singer’s breakout success. For Parton’s legendary chapters, Clarke stars as ‘Dolly Parton.’
A similar structure was been used in biomusicals before, included ones about Cher and Donna Summer.
While casting remains unknown, the show’s creative team have been set: choreographer Mandy Moore, scenic designer Derek McLane, costume designer Jennifer Moeller, lighting designer Donald Holder and sound designer Peter Hylenski.
Producers said the creative team has continued refining the musical following it’s Nashville run.
What hasn’t changed is the heart of the story, giving audiences a deeper look at the beloved star’s life than ever before.
“During our world premiere in Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the deep connection audiences have with Dolly,” Sher said in a statement. “You mention her name and people light up and share a time that she has inspired them and brought them joy. But despite all of that genuine love, Dolly has never really shared her story before. She’s offered glimpses and peeks, but this musical allows her to reveal the unfiltered story in her own words. As we prepare to come to Broadway, we’re thrilled to show that rhinestones were never her whole story.”
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In fact, Parton herself echoed Sher’s statement when she showed up at opening night of the musical in Nashville.
“This has been a lifetime int he works and I hope everyone enjoyed it,” she said. in video shared to Instagram. “And I want to thank our wonderful cast and crew. And of course, I always want to thank you — the fans and family and everybody here tonight. A toast to anybody who had anything to do with this wonderful night and this wonderful show.”
Parton — who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 — has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide during a career spanning more than six decades, writing over 3,000 songs written and landing 25 No. 1 hits. In addition to her music success, she is the founder of the Imagination Library, which has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children around the world.
As for tickets to Dolly: An Original Musical, fans who sign up through the musical’s website and eligible Capital One cardholders will have access to a presale beginning July 8, ahead of the general on-sale on July 10. Tickets will initially be available for performances through Nov. 21, 2027.
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