Broadway’s Dolly Parton Musical Cast on Portraying the Icon in Her Presence
Actors and creators behind the Broadway-bound musical 'Dolly: A True Original' spoke about the unusual challenge of playing Dolly Parton while she was nearby. The show had a Nashville preview last year and is set to begin Broadway previews at the St. James Theatre on Dec. 7, 2026, with an official opening on Jan. 19, 2027, Parton's 81st birthday. The piece recounts memorable Parton moments that shaped the production.
The production, titled “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” had a Nashville preview in the previous year before heading to New York. Its Broadway run is scheduled to begin previews at the St. James Theatre on Dec. 7, 2026, with opening night set for Jan. 19, 2027—Parton’s 81st birthday.
Cast members and co-creators described the rare pressure of embodying Parton while she was present. Their accounts include notable Parton moments that influenced the show’s development, according to the article.
The musical may draw Broadway audiences and Parton fans eager to see her story staged while she is still active. Its creative team’s experience could shape how future jukebox or biographical shows handle living icons, especially regarding permission, pressure, and authenticity. Theater workers, performers, and local businesses around the St. James could benefit from ticket demand, while audiences may find a communal way to celebrate Parton’s cultural legacy.