Dolly: A True Original Musical, the upcoming stage production featuring new music and classic hits by country icon Dolly Parton, will begin previews at Broadway‘s St. James Theatre on Monday, December 7, with an official opening on January 19, 2027, Parton’s 81st birthday.
The announcement was made today by Parton and producers Danny Nozell, Adam Speers for ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, July 8.
“My whole life has been a musical,” Parton said in a statement. “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.”
Dolly: A True Original Musical had its world premiere last summer in Parton’s hometown of Nashville, and tells Parton’s story in her own words and songs. Among the hits included in the score are “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5.”
Watch on Deadline
Bartlett Sher (To Kill a Mockingbird, South Pacific), who directs, said, “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.
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 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.”
Dolly: A True Original Musical is produced by Dolly Parton, Danny Nozell, Adam Speers for ATG Productions, and Gavin Kalin Productions.
