Global music icon Dolly Parton has officially kicked off rehearsals for the highly anticipated world premiere of Dolly: A True Original Musical in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. As excitement builds, Parton announced additional casting, a robust creative team, and an extended performance run due to overwhelming demand.
The musical will begin preview performances on Friday, July 18, with an official opening night set for Friday, August 8 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on Belmont University’s campus. With tickets starting at just $40, fans can now reserve seats through Sunday, August 31 at www.dollymusical.com or by calling the Fisher Center Box Office at 615-460-2255.
Meet the Cast: Dolly Through the Years
Previously announced leads Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, and Quinn Titcomb will portray Dolly Parton at various stages of her life.
Newly revealed cast members include:
- John Zdrojeski as Porter Wagoner
- Jacob Fishel as Sandy Gallin
- Tabitha Lawing as Little Judy Ogle
- Tony Award® nominee Beth Malone as Judy Ogle
- Danny Wolohan as Uncle Bill
Ensemble members joining the production include Peri Barnhill, Klea Blackhurst, Sarah Bockel, Joe Carroll, and others. Nashville’s Peri Barnhill and Norah Nunes from Houston were selected through the national “Search for Dolly” initiative, which drew thousands of submissions from performers of all backgrounds—many of whom had never auditioned professionally.
A Star-Studded Creative and Music Team
Directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, the show will feature a score that blends some of Parton’s greatest hits with brand-new songs written exclusively for the musical. The book is co-written by Parton and Emmy Award winner Maria S. Schlatter.
Music Team
- Kimberly Grigsby – Music Director
- John Clancy – Orchestrations
- Kent Wells – Musical Consultant
- Richard Dennison & Gregg Perry – Music and Vocal Arrangements
Creative Design
- Mandy Moore – Choreography
- Derek McLane – Scenic Design
- Jennifer Moeller – Costume Design
- Donald Holder – Lighting Design
- Justin Ellington & Beth Lake – Sound Design
- Nathan Amzi & Joe Ransom – Video Design
- Rob Pickens – Hair Design
Casting was led by Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner, with 101 Productions, Ltd. serving as general managers. The musical is produced by Dolly Parton, Danny Nozell, ATG Productions, and Gavin Kalin Productions.
The Story: From Smoky Mountains to Stardom
Dolly: A True Original Musical tells the compelling story of Parton’s life—from her humble roots in East Tennessee to becoming an international music and business icon. Audiences will journey through the trials, triumphs, and trailblazing legacy of the woman who redefined country music and pop culture.
Set to the sounds of beloved hits like “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” the show is a joyful celebration of resilience, creativity, and authenticity.
Dolly Parton: A Living Legend
With over 100 million albums sold, 25 #1 hits, and a songwriting catalog of more than 3,000 songs, Dolly Parton’s seven-decade career remains unmatched. She is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, and holds 49 Top 10 country albums, the most by any artist. Her cultural reach is equally significant, with over 270 million books donated globally through her Imagination Library and multiple best-selling books and albums.
Parton continues to inspire fans across generations. Her recent album Rockstar became her highest-debuting release to date, and she remains Billboard’s #1 Country Artist of All Time.
