It’s been one day since Dolly Parton and her Broadway team introduced the actresses who will portray her in the upcoming musical “DOLLY: An Original Musical,” and excitement is growing fast. Fan reactions have been pouring in across social media, especially following a viral casting search that encouraged performers to try out for the role of ‘the Dollys.’
The musical, which will trace Parton’s life through her music and personal journey, is set to open at the Fisher Center at Belmont University in Nashville on July 18. The anticipated musical will make its big debut on Broadway in 2026 and is expected to “take us on a journey through the life of this rhinestone in the rough, from her barefoot beginnings in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee to performing in platform heels under the bright lights of Hollywood.”
Broadway Veterans and Rising Star Take on Dolly’s Life
The cast includes Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, and Quinn Titcomb, who will each portray Parton at different stages of her life. Clarke, known for her standout roles in “Wicked,” “Miss Saigon,” and “Merrily We Roll Along,” will portray Parton during her adult years. St. Louis, who has appeared in “Kinky Boots,” “Rock of Ages,” “Wicked,” and “Titanique,” will play Parton in her young adult phase. Titcomb, the youngest of the trio, made her Broadway debut as Lulu in “Waitress” and will portray a young Parton growing up and stepping into the world of music.
The Broadway team announced the casting through social media, writing, “A huge thank you to the thousands who participated in the national ‘Search for Dolly’! From that amazing pool, 15 finalists came to NYC—and now, we’re thrilled to share that TWO of them will be joining our Nashville cast! 🦋 Stay tuned for more casting updates coming this June.”
When Will “The Dollys” Take the Stage?
The show is expected to pay tribute to Parton’s life, especially her 1967 debut album. The script was co-written by Parton and her longtime collaborator Maria S. Schlatter. It will feature a mix of new songs written for the stage along with some of Parton’s most beloved hits.
Although the Broadway debut is slated for 2026, the buzz surrounding the Nashville premiere continues to grow. Fans eager to witness the first chapter of this new production can purchase tickets at dollymusical.com.
Clarke went on to share her excitement on her socials, saying, “Absolutely thrilled to finally share this news! I’ll be playing Dolly Parton in @dollymusical this summer in Nashville. @dollyparton I love you and cannot wait to bring your incredible story to life onstage. What a joy to share it with my sweet friends @carriestlouis and @quinn.titcomb.”
St. Louis responded to the post, commenting, “Let’s go sister!! 🦋✨🦋.”
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Three Dollys, One Stage: Meet the Cast of Dolly Parton’s Musical