Rehearsals are officially underway in Nashville for Dolly: A True Original Musical, the hotly anticipated world premiere production celebrating the life and legacy of global icon Dolly Parton. The production will begin previews on July 18 ahead of an official opening on August 8 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University. Due to overwhelming demand, the limited run has already been extended through August 31.
The musical will feature three performers—Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, and Quinn Titcomb—portraying Dolly at different stages of her life. New casting announcements include John Zdrojeski as Porter Wagoner, Jacob Fishel as Sandy Gallin, Tony nominee Beth Malone as Judy Ogle, Tabitha Lawing as Little Judy, and Danny Wolohan as Uncle Bill. The ensemble features a talented company of Broadway and regional theatre veterans, with swings and understudies rounding out the cast.
Two standout performers—Peri Barnhill and Norah Nunes—join the show after being discovered in the nationwide “Search for Dolly.” Chosen from thousands of submissions, both were among 15 finalists invited to audition for the creative team in New York.
With a book by Parton and Emmy winner Maria S. Schlatter, Dolly will feature a score blending her greatest hits with brand-new songs written exclusively for the stage. Bartlett Sher (Tony Award winner) directs, with choreography by Emmy winner Mandy Moore. The music team includes Kimberly Grigsby (music director), John Clancy (orchestrations), Kent Wells, Richard Dennison, and Gregg Perry.
The production also boasts a high-profile creative team: scenic design by Derek McLane, costumes by Jennifer Moeller, lighting by Donald Holder, sound by Justin Ellington and Beth Lake, and video design by Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom.
Dolly: A True Original Musical offers a vibrant journey from Parton's humble beginnings in East Tennessee to her rise as a music legend. Tickets, starting at $40, are on sale now at www.dollymusical.com.
