We woke up with a glimmer of hope for the 26-27 Broadway season when the announcement of Dolly: A True Original Musical arrived bedazzled in our inbox. But in 1 Minute Critic fashion, we’ve got questions.
The musical premiered at Nashville’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts last summer, with too few reviews to gauge how the show is shaping up. But Parton—a 10-time Grammy winner—is a formidable songwriter.
Expect career highlights, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5,” along with original material for the stage production. As of now, Parton is offering little beyond enthusiasm for the Broadway glow-up.
“My whole life has been a musical,” she says. “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.”
It wants better content.
A biomusical’s biggest risk: too much shine, not enough shadow
Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher returns to direct the musical, which features a book co-written by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter. And here’s where Mama needs to say a prayer. Biomusicals—particularly when presented while their subject is still alive—favor the central subject.
Take a look at The Cher Show, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, A Beautiful Noise (the Neil Diamond musical), and a pattern emerges. We witness artists overcoming hardship, dysfunctional relationships, systemic bias, and creative differences, but often through a one-sided lens.
Are we asking Parton to hang some dirty laundry on the line? Not exactly. But if we live long enough, none of us gets through life without regret and at least a handful of bad choices. Give us some drama—there’s plenty of Parton to compensate.
“During our world premiere in Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the deep connection audiences have with Dolly,” says Sher. “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.”
We’re ready for Parton’s coat of many colors, not just the pretty ones.
Dolly: A True Original Musical begins previews December 7 at the St. James Theatre, opening January 19 — Parton’s 81st birthday.
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