Dolly Parton musical sets Broadway opening on singer's birthday
Telling Parton's life story with her hit songs, the show will start performances at the St. James Theatre in December ahead of an official opening in January.
Summary
- Dolly: A True Original Musical will start Broadway performances December 7 at the St. James Theatre
- The show sets Dolly Parton's life story to her hit songs
- Parton co-wrote the book and also wrote some new songs for the show
- The musical will officially open on her 81st birthday on January 19
- Broadway casting has yet to be announced
Dolly: A True Original Musical, a new stage show based on the life and music of Dolly Parton, will officially head to Broadway this winter. Performances will start at the St. James Theatre on December 7 ahead of an opening night on January 19, Parton's 81st birthday.
“My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really and I can’t wait to present it to you on Broadway," Parton said in a statement. "I hope you enjoy watching as much as I’ve enjoyed livin’ it.”
The show set's Parton's life story to her hit songs — like “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5” — as well as new tunes written for the musical. Dolly: A True Original Musical made its world premiere in Nashville, Parton's hometown, in summer 2025.
The show features a book by Parton and two-time Emmy Award winner Maria S. Schlatter, music by Parton, direction by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, and choreography by Emmy winner Mandy Moore. The creative team also includes set designer Derek McLane, costume designer Jennifer Moeller, lighting designer Donald Holder, sound designer Peter Hylenski, video designers Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom, hair designer Robert Pickens, and makeup design by Studio Pickens.
The music team includes music supervisor Stephen Oremus, music director Charity Wicks, orchestrator John Clancy, musical consultant Kent Wells, and vocal and music arrangers Richard Dennison and Gregg Perry, who are longtime collaborators of Parton.
Casting and additional creative team members have yet to be announced.
Check back for information on Dolly: A True Original Musical tickets on New York Theatre Guide.
Photo credit: Dolly Parton. (Photo courtesy of production)
Frequently asked questions
How do you book tickets for Dolly: An Original Musical?
Book tickets for Dolly: An Original Musical on New York Theatre Guide.
Where is Dolly: An Original Musical playing?
Dolly: An Original Musical is playing at St. James Theatre. The theatre is located at 246 West 44th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.
What is Dolly: An Original Musical about?
Dolly: An Original Musical follows the life of a true music icon: Dolly Parton. Tracing her rise to fame, this jukebox musical gives personal insights into Parton’s career and life while introducing new songs written specifically for this Broadway premiere.
What are the songs in Dolly: An Original Musical?
Audiences can expect to hear fan-favorite songs woven into this new musical, but Dolly Parton is also contributing new songs to the score that she can't wait to share fort he stage.
Who directs Dolly: An Original Musical?
Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, known for his lush Lincoln Center productions and revivals of beloved musicals, stages this new show.
Who wrote Dolly: An Original Musical?
Dolly Parton herself wrote the music and lyrics, and she also teams up with Maria S. Schlatter to write the book.
Originally published on