Dolly Parton is inviting fans from across the country to take a shot at Broadway fame with a nationwide casting call for Dolly: An Original Musical. The legendary singer, alongside her manager Danny Nozell and ATG Productions, revealed the exciting news on Thursday, Dec. 5. Originally titled Hello, I’m Dolly, the upcoming Broadway show will bring her incredible life story to the stage, highlighting pivotal moments in her rise to stardom.
In a fun-filled video posted across her social media platforms—TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—Dolly enthusiastically announced the casting search. Clips from her storied career, ranging from her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to her superstar status, played as Dolly explained the process to her fans. “I want to give you the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway — and maybe even play me!” she said, with characteristic warmth and charm.
The musical will celebrate Dolly’s legacy, including her iconic music and the inspiring people who’ve helped shape her journey. “We’re looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you’re an experienced theater professional or an undiscovered gem with that little special something,” Dolly explained.
Dolly: An Original Musical seeks performers of all ages to portray the singer at different stages of her remarkable life. The production is looking for diverse talent to bring the musical to life, from seasoned theater veterans to new faces with a standout performance.
To audition, aspiring stars are encouraged to record a one-minute video of themselves singing their favorite Dolly Parton song. The video must be posted on social media with the hashtag #SearchForDolly. Applicants should also submit an official application on the musical’s website to complete their submission. The audition window will close on January 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, so hopefuls have a few weeks to polish their performances.
Once the applications are in, the Dolly: An Original Musical casting team will begin reviewing submissions, with plans to invite standout applicants to New York City for in-person auditions. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into Dolly’s shoes, this is your chance to make it happen.
Creating a Broadway show based on her life has been a longtime dream for Dolly, as she revealed to People magazine earlier this year. “Right now, I’m working on my life story as a musical, and so going on Broadway and opening my show on Broadway, that’s been a biggie [goal] in my mind for many, many years,” Dolly shared. She expressed a strong desire to be actively involved in the project, stating, “That’d be the one that I want to make certain I get done while I’m still kicking, while I’m around to stay involved in it.”
This dream is now coming to fruition, thanks to the hard work of Parton, playwright Maria S. Schlatter, and director Bartlett Sher, who will guide the production to the Great White Way. The musical will feature a mix of Dolly’s greatest hits, as well as new songs she has written specifically for the show.
Tony Award-winning director Sher is no stranger to Broadway, having worked on major productions such as The King and I and To Kill a Mockingbird. Alongside casting directors Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner, Sher will work with Dolly to bring the musical’s unique vision to life.
The production’s musical score will be a blend of Parton’s timeless classics and fresh new compositions, ensuring that Dolly: An Original Musical delivers a blend of nostalgia and excitement. Dolly’s larger-than-life persona and unwavering determination have always made her a natural fit for the stage, and now she’s giving aspiring performers the opportunity to be a part of her extraordinary journey.
“Break a leg!” Dolly said with a playful wink in her video, signing off with a warm invitation for all to try their luck. “So, what are you waiting for? This might be your moment to take center stage and step into the spotlight.” With Dolly’s infectious optimism and enthusiasm, it’s clear this casting call is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the country music icon.
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