Dolly Parton Announces Open Casting Call for Musical

Dolly Parton, the iconic country music star and cultural phenomenon, has embarked on a bold new endeavor: bringing her life's story to Broadway through a musical titled “Dolly: an Original Musical.” The announcement of an open casting call, proclaimed by Parton on digital platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, has set the stage for “The search for Dolly” initiative. This initiative calls for performers from all over the world to audition and portray Parton at different stages of her remarkable life, leading up to the musical's Broadway debut in 2026.

The musical aims to capture the spirit and essence of Parton's journey, celebrating not only her music but also the people who have accompanied her along the way. To find the right fit, Parton has invited aspirants to submit a one-minute video performance of their favorite Dolly Parton song. Participants are encouraged to post their videos to social media platforms using the hashtag #SearchForDolly, accompanied by a formal submission on the musical's official website, dollymusical.com. Notably, this casting call is open to performers of all ages and backgrounds, emphasizing an inclusive pursuit of undiscovered talent and seasoned professionals alike.

Behind this creative venture is a strong production team. Parton herself is intricately involved, crafting the music and lyrics for the production, as well as co-writing the book alongside Maria S. Schlatter. Esteemed director Bartlett Sher, known for his Broadway expertise, has been tapped to lead the production. The musical promises a rich blend of Parton's classic hits along with newly penned songs specifically created for the stage adaptation. Collaboratively, they intend to bring forth a narrative that marries music, emotion, and entertainment in a vibrant theatrical expression.

The musical was initially announced under the working title “Hello, I'm Dolly” during the 2023 CMA Fest in Nashville. Parton expressed her enthusiasm about this lifelong aspiration finally coming to fruition, stating that bringing her story to the Broadway stage has been a significant goal. This endeavor marks a convergence of Parton's legacy in music with another creative medium, allowing her narrative to reach new audiences in a novel form.

The excitement surrounding “Dolly: an Original Musical” reflects the broader cultural impact Parton has had on multiple generations. Known for her distinct voice and larger-than-life persona, Parton's venture into the theatrical world underscores her versatile entertainment prowess. This musical endeavor not only encapsulates her personal and professional milestones but also showcases the collaborative effort of theater talents aimed at maintaining Parton's vibrant spirit and intimacy with her audience.

“The search for Dolly” not only represents an inclusive and participatory experience for potential actors but also encapsulates the essence of Parton's influence in the music and entertainment landscape. This initiative captures Parton's willingness to engage directly with her audience, inviting them into her world through this creative enterprise, thus highlighting the spirit of community and collaboration that has always been a hallmark of her career. As the anticipation builds towards its debut, Dolly Parton's journey to Broadway promises to be as enchanting and impactful as the star herself.