Photos by Sophia Sharp (McCoury)
The show invites you into Dolly’s world from the very beginning, letting you see not only the triumphs but also the struggles that shaped her. It starts in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee, where we meet a young Dolly, full of dreams and determination. The production doesn’t shy away from tender, heartbreaking moments (like the loss of her brother) and these scenes will bring tears to your eyes. Through it all, her big heart shines, especially in the loving relationships with her family. Uncle Bill, for example, becomes a key figure in her early years, encouraging her songwriting and teaching her to play. Listening to “Puppy Love” in the show felt like stepping back in time, hearing her as she would have sounded on the radio.
The timeline then moves to Dolly as a young adult. Witnessing her Grand Ole Opry debut on stage is nothing short of spectacular. This era of her life reveals her personal and professional growth, touching on her complicated relationships with God, sex, and music. Eventually, she makes her way to Nashville, where her life begins to change in big ways- meeting Carl Dean, Porter Wagoner, and other influential figures who help shape her journey.
We later move into Dolly’s adult years, where the energy rises and we get to hear iconic hits like “Here You Come Again” and “9 to 5.” These moments feel like pure celebration, showing Dolly in her element- confident, joyful, and at the height of her career. The three actresses portraying Dolly are nothing short of phenomenal. Their performances were so authentic, it often felt as if Dolly herself had stepped on stage.
If you have the opportunity to see Dolly: A True Original Musical, I highly recommend it. Dolly’s touch is all over this production, making it feel heartfelt and deeply personal. You’ll leave feeling like you’re a part of her story and family. I think that’s exactly what Dolly wanted people to feel when making this musical. Thank you, Dolly, for sharing your heart- you truly are our songbird.
Opening Night Celebration
To mark the special occasion, Dolly rolled out a stunning pink carpet for opening night, a fitting nod to her signature style. The event sparkled with excitement as friends, family, and notable guests gathered to celebrate the launch of this heartfelt production. It wasn’t just a show, it was a true Dolly-style party, filled with warmth, glamour, and the unmistakable charm of the country music icon herself.