‘DOLLY: A True Original Musical’ Wraps Debut Residency

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Dolly Pink Carpet Opening Night at Belmont University August 8, 2025. Photo: Sam Simpkins

The final performance of DOLLY: A True Original Musical took place on Aug. 31, marking 49 performances in front of 77,900 attendees at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

Dolly the Musical posters outside The Fisher Center at Belmont University. July 11, 2025. Photo: Matt Willoughby

“I am so thankful to President Greg Jones and all the Belmont faculty, staff and students who helped bring my story to life on the Fisher Center stage this summer,” says Parton. “As we continue to workshop our musical for Broadway, I am excited to know that the Belmont University DOLLY U partnership will continue, with students playing a part in the next step of our journey, just as they did for our Nashville premiere.”

“Being the home for the premier of DOLLY: A True Original Musical has been a tremendous honor for the Fisher Center,” adds Fisher Center Executive Director Chaz Corzine. “We were able to welcome over 76,000 guests to our venue for a world-class performance, and we will be forever grateful for the hands-on education so many of our students got to experience because of this unique opportunity.”

The musical took viewers through the timeline of Parton’s life, including her time growing up in the Smoky Mountains, her first days on Music Row, her time touring with the Porter Wagoner Show, her cultural impact and more.

Dolly U Fellows at Fisher Center at Belmont University July 10, 2025. Photo: Sam Simpkins

The cast of the show included Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, Quinn Titcomb, John Zdorjeski, Jacob Fishel, Tabitha Lawing, Beth Malone, Danny Wolohan, 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 included Josh Canfield, Tiffany Engen, Todd A. Horman, Norah Nunes and Kathlynn Rodin.

The music team for the production included Kimberly Grigsby (music director), John Clancy (orchestrations), Kent Wells (musical consultant), Richard Dennison (vocal arrangements and music arrangements), and Gregg Perry (music arrangements and vocal arrangements).

The creative team was comprised of Mandy Moore (choreography), Derek McLane (scenic design), Jennifer Moeller (costume design), Donald Holder (lighting design), Justin Ellington and Beth Lake (sound design), Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom (video design), Rob Pickens (hair design), Charles Means (production stage manager), and Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner (casting directors).

The musical was produced by Parton, Danny Nozell, ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions. 101 Productions, Ltd. are general managers.

The musical featured a score by Parton that included some of her biggest hits as well as new songs she wrote especially for the production, and a book by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter. Bartlett Sher served as Director.

 

Madison Hahnen
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