Dolly Parton. A name that almost everyone would recognise. Her music has helped shape country music across the world.
In the theatre space, Parton wrote the score to 9 to 5: The Musical and an autobiographical production titled Dolly: A True Original Musical. Her life and music have been the inspiration for creatives around the world, and this week, I got the opportunity to experience one of the productions within this space. Here You Come Again is a brand-new musical comedy that has been produced by arrangement with Dolly Parton herself.
Co-created by Emmy-winner Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre, and Tricia Paoluccio with Paoluccio as Dolly Parton, and directed by Gabriel Barre, Here You Come Again has been adapted for the Australian stage by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish. Set during the 2020 Covid lockdowns in Victoria, the production explores the life of Kevin (Dash Kruck) who, following a breakup, has moved back in with his parents.
Set in Bendigo, the 40-something adult finds himself back in the attic of his family home. Struggling with what could best be described as a mid-life crisis, Kevin calls on his idol for help. He puts on the ‘Here You Come Again’ record and, like a fairy godmother, Dolly Parton (Tricia Paoluccio) magically appears and helps Kevin discover his true self.
This part play, part jukebox concert is unlike other jukebox musicals productions I have seen. This is largely due to the narrative nature with both Kevin and Dolly talking directly to the audience. And whilst there is a live band that also double as other characters, Here You Come Again is mostly a two-person show with both commanding the stage.
The set design by Paul Wills is quintessentially Australian with the attic space filled with Dolly Parton posters, records, and other memorabilia. With the stage fully exposed before the show and during intermission, I found myself searching for all the little hidden gems, proving that no matter how big or how small, every item was chosen with purpose. Combined with the lighting from Jason Bovaird, and with the band in full view above the attic space, the staging is transported from a bedroom to a concert stage each time that Parton sprung into song. Oh, and just wait for the finale with a lovely surprise.
Jenni Langford has created some wonderful costume designs for this production. With the band in classic country double-denim, they never feel out of place as they roam around the stage. Kevin is purposefully dressed rather boringly. After all, this is Covid lockdown, he is living with his parents and has nowhere to go. With Dolly Parton in bright, sparkly vibrant gowns that really give off that fairy godmother vibe. Plus, Dolly Parton being the star of the show, she must look fab and Paoluccio’s portrayal made me feel like Dolly was right there with us.
The ensemble cast of Kellie Rode, Bailey Dunnage and Laura Joy Bunting are great in their respective roles and also double as backing vocalists for the band. It was great to see the band on-stage too, bringing that concert vibe to life.
Dash Kruck is fantastic and plays the role of Kevin wonderfully. As a 40-something man, living at home with his parents, and the struggles of Covid separating him from his work and life back in the city, Kruck brings out all of the emotions in his performance. Plus, falling asleep, clutching a giant jar of Cheetos is peak Covid vibes. And of course, Kruck’s vocal performance is sublime and is the perfect partner to Dolly’s character. Just hold out for Kruck’s own Dolly Parton performance!
This brings me to the star of the show, Tricia Paoluccio as Dolly Parton. WOW! What a performance. From the moment she magically appeared on stage, Paoluccio commands your attention. She’s got that iconic Parton southern drawl locked in with the looks to match. Paoluccio spends a lot of time interacting with those in the front row, even calling back to them later in the show. A natural performer with the vocal chops to match, I swear that I could close my eyes and hear Dolly Parton. Tricia Paoluccio *is* Dolly Parton!
Whilst the individual performances are incredible, I was taken aback by the whole Covid narrative. I mean, it was 5 years ago now and the last thing I want to be reminded of one of the worst times we all collectively experienced, especially as Victorians. While the music performances had Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre cheering and clapping along, the narrative was a little slow and frustrating. Although, the second act redeemed itself with a thoughtful, sweet and lovely pay off right at the end, which admittedly had me teary eyed. The pacing was much better in the second half too. With all that said, if this production was to have longevity, it would require a rewrite to ditch the Covid narrative completely.
Covid vibes aside, Here We Come Again is a fun night out for all and definitely worth a visit, especially if you love Dolly Parton. It is funny, exciting, sad and frustrating all at once. As a Dolly Parton tribute, I don’t think it could be any better, plus you don’t even have to be the biggest Dolly Parton fan to enjoy it. I’m not and I still had a great time. The hits are also here including ‘Jolene’, ‘9 to 5’, ‘Islands in the Stream’, ‘I Will Always Love You’ and of course ‘Here You Come Again’ that are wonderfully mixed with insights into Parton’s life. There are even cowboy hats available at the merch stand to really get into the vibe.
Here You Come Again is performing now at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre until the Saturday the 15th of November.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://hereyoucomeagain.com.au
Photography by Cameron Grant.
