Dolly: A True Original Musical, the upcoming Broadway production that will now serve as the late superstar’s final passion project, will begin previews in December for a January 19 opening as planned.
In a statement to Deadline, the show’s producers said, “As was Dolly’s wish, the Broadway production of Dolly: A True Original Musical will begin previews December 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City.”
The musical, featuring new music from Parton as well as her classic hits like “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5,” will begin previews at Broadway’s St. James on Monday, December 7, with an official opening on January 19, 2027, what would have been Parton’s 81st birthday.
The project was the passion project of Parton’s final years. Just over a month ago, on July 7, she said in a statement, “My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really and I can’t wait to present it to you on Broadway. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I’ve enjoyed livin’ it.”
Watch on Deadline
Dolly: A True Original Musical had its world premiere last year in Parton’s hometown of Nashville, and tells Parton’s story in her own words and songs. She was a producer along with Danny Nozell, Adam Speers for ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions.
Bartlett Sher (To Kill a Mockingbird, South Pacific), who is directing, said in July, “During our world premiere in Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the deep connection audiences have with Dolly. 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.”
Production
In addition to the music, Parton has written the musical’s book along with two-time Emmy Award winner Maria S. Schlatter, who previously partnered with Parton on the Emmy-winning Netflix film Christmas on the Square.
The music team for the production includes two-time Tony Award winner and two-time Grammy winner Stephen Oremus (music supervisor), Charity Wicks (music director), John Clancy (orchestrations), and Kent Wells (musical consultant). The music team is completed by Richard Dennison (vocal arrangements and music arrangements) and Gregg Perry (music arrangements and vocal arrangements) who are longtime collaborators with Parton.
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The creative team includes Mandy Moore (choreography), Derek McLane (scenic design), Jennifer Moeller (costume design), Donald Holder (lighting design), Peter Hylenski (sound design), Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom (video design), Robert Pickens (hair design) and Studio Pickens (makeup design).
Casting, additional creative team members, and other details for the Broadway production will be announced in the coming weeks.
Adam Speers of ATG Productions said when the production was announced that “everything we learned during our world premiere in Nashville, we’re shaping the show and deepening the storytelling so that the Broadway production fully captures the spirit of this amazing woman. To be opening the show on Dolly’s 81st birthday is not only a celebration of a milestone, but of a life shaped by generosity, courage, and purpose that, in this moment, feels not only uplifting and inspiring, but essential.”
