More casting has been revealed for the upcoming Dolly Parton biomusical, now titled Dolly: A True Original Musical. The show is readying for an upcoming world premiere at Nashville, Tennessee's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The staging will begin performances July 18 ahead of an August 8 opening night, with the extended run to continue through August 31. Tony winner Bartlett Sher is directing.
Newly announced for the cast are John Zdrojeski (The Great Gatsby) as country icon Porter Wagoner, Jacob Fishel (Paradise Square) as producer Sandy Gallin, Beth Malone (Fun Home) as Parton's longtime best friend Judy Ogle, Tabita Lawing as Little Judy Ogle, and Danny Wolohan as Uncle Bill.
The musical's ensemble will comprise Peri Barnhill, Klea Blackhurst, Sarah Bockel, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, Joe Carroll, Donald Corren, Ryan Demoville, Olivia Donalson, Sarah Hunt, Ruchir Khazanchi, James Moye, Cole Ragsdale, Maddie Robert, and Alex Ross. Swings and understudies for the Nashville company will include Josh Canfield, Tiffany Engen, Todd A. Horman, Norah Nunes, and Kathlynn Rodin. Barnhill and Nunes were both selected via the production's national Search For Dolly open call.
They join previously announced stars Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, and Quinn Titcomb as Parton, each taking on the icon in different stages of the 11-time Grammy winner's life. Additional casting, by Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner, is to be announced.
Also newly joining the production are two of Parton's longtime collaborators. Richard Dennison, who has arranged background vocals for Parton's albums since 1975, will handle vocal arrangements and music arrangements for the upcoming musical. Gregg Perry, Parton's former band leader, will also pen music arrangements and vocal arrangements.
鈥淗aving Dolly鈥檚 trust and believing in me has been such a blessing and one I don鈥檛 take for granted," says Dennison in a statement. "Has it been hard and exhausting? Oh yes, indeed, with the endless miles on the buses and the planes, the next gig, and playing for her adoring fans. However, I am so very thankful to have been a part of Dolly鈥檚 life for all these years, and it has enriched my life beyond words.鈥�
Parton shared at a recent press event that she's written "a whole lot" of new, original songs for the show, but audiences can also expect to hear some of the Grammy winner's greatest hits. Maria S. Schlatter is collaborating with Parton on the musical's book.
Dolly will be Parton's second Broadway outing, after penning the original score to 2009's 9 to 5. The musical was based on the film of the same name, which co-stars Parton and featured her chart-topping hit title song (which also appears in the musical version).
Parton, Danny Nozell, ATG Productions, and Gavin Kalin Productions are producing, with 101 Productions serving as general manager.
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