Full Breakdown
Dolly: A True Original Musical to Open on Broadway on Parton’s 81st Birthday
7/7/2026, 10:04:05 PM
Core Event
“Dolly: A True Original Musical” begins previews at New York’s St. James Theatre on Dec 7, 2026, with an opening night on Jan 19, 2027—coinciding with Dolly Parton’s 81st birthday. Ticket presales start July 8 for fans and Capital One cardholders; the public sale opens July 10.
Background & Context
The show premiered at Nashville’s Fisher Center on the Belmont University campus in summer 2025, billed as the venue’s most successful run. The Broadway version incorporates revisions from that tryout.
Creative Team & Key Figures
Parton co-wrote the book with Emmy winner Maria S. Schlatter. Bartlett Sher directs. Stephen Oremus is music supervisor; Charity Wicks is music director; Richard Dennison and Gregg Perry handle arrangements. Mandy Moore choreographs; Derek McLane designs sets; Jennifer Moeller creates costumes; Donald Holder designs lighting. Sound design is credited to Peter Hylenski in some sources and to Justin Ellington/Beth Lake in others. Production is led by Parton, Danny Nozell, Adam Speers (ATG Productions) and Gavin Kalin Productions.
Data & Impact
Parton’s catalog exceeds 100 million album sales, over 3,000 songs and 25 No. 1 hits. The score mixes hits—“I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5”—with new songs. The Broadway run continues through Nov 21, 2027.
Official Statements & Responses
Parton called the show “a grand ole opera” and stressed its personal focus. Producer Adam Speers said the Broadway version “captures the spirit of this amazing woman” and celebrates “generosity, courage and purpose.” The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development called it a major draw for New York audiences.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the Nashville premiere date: most cite summer 2025, while a few describe it as occurring “earlier this year” (2026). Sound design credits also vary between Peter Hylenski and the duo Justin Ellington/Beth Lake. No casting details have been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Dolly Parton, Singer-songwriter
- “It’s about where I really come from, what I’ve lived, what I’ve lost, what I’ve loved, and how I’ve found my way, and told it in my own words.” — Dolly Parton, Video announcement
- “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.” — Bartlett Sher, Director
- “He said, “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.” — Adam Speers, Producer (ATG Productions)
What’s Next
Casting announcements and additional creative details are expected in the coming weeks. The production will run through late 2027 before the St. James Theatre becomes available for new engagements.
