Dolly Parton's new musical Dolly: An Original Musical is one step closer to the stage. The production has revealed the 15 finalists from its nationwide "Search for Dolly" casting call . These performers will travel to New York City for in-person auditions for the coveted title role.
Thousands of hopefuls participated in the online open call hoping to embody the iconic country singer on stage. Now 15 have been selected for the next stage of the casting process. The finalists are Kathryn Adeline from New York City Peri Barnhill from New York City Elyse Bell from New York City Alberta Brown from Halifax Canada Haley Brown from Los Angeles Kylee Hennes from Richfield Wisconsin Annelise Laakko from New York City Tasha Lefler from Newport Tennessee Solo Lowit from Milton Georgia Kindred Moore from New York City Norah Nunes from Houston Texas Kelly O’Brien from Aldbury Tring United Kingdom Tricia Paoluccio from California Cecilia Petrush from New York City and Madeline Powell from New York City.
Dolly: An Original Musical is set to premiere in Nashville Tennessee at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University. Preview performances begin on July 18 with the official opening night scheduled for August 8. The limited engagement will run until August 17 before a planned Broadway transfer in 2026. Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher will direct the musical which features a score by Parton herself. The score includes some of Parton's biggest hits as well as new songs written specifically for the show. Parton is collaborating with Maria S Schlatter on the musical's book.
What The Dolly Musical Casting News Means For Broadway
Dolly Parton's Story Is Coming To Life On Stage
Dolly Parton has long wanted to bring her life story to the stage in a musical. She expressed her desire to oversee the project while she is still able to ensure it is done "properly in a way that I would want to see it". This musical is a significant step in realizing that ambition. Dolly: An Original Musical promises to be a major Broadway event bringing Parton's incredible story and beloved music to a new audience.
The premiere in Nashville is a fitting choice as Parton stated "It seemed natural for to me to be able to premiere the story of my life in Tennessee cause I’m Tennessee born and Tennessee raised". She also mentioned her long history with Nashville trying to break into the music business. Premiering in her home state adds a personal touch to this project.
Our Take On The Dolly Parton Musical Casting
The Search For Dolly Is Generating Excitement
The open casting call "Search for Dolly" demonstrates the widespread interest in this musical. Thousands of performers vying for the chance to play Dolly Parton highlight her enduring appeal and the anticipation for this production. Announcing 15 finalists and showcasing snippets of their auditions online builds further excitement and allows fans to engage with the casting process.
With a Nashville premiere followed by a Broadway run Dolly: An Original Musical has all the elements to be a successful and heartwarming show. The combination of Parton’s iconic music her personal story and the talent discovered through the casting call suggests a must-see theatrical experience is on the horizon.
Sources: Playbill BroadwayWorld iHeart Closer Weekly