It’s an age-old adage: “What would Dolly do?”
As any country music and rhinestone enthusiast would know, Dolly Parton is a guiding light to many in tough times, and no time was tougher than the COVID-19 lockdown. This is the setting for Here You Come Again, a fresh new production written by Tricia Paoluccio and Gabriel Barre that is currently embarking on a national tour.
Set in Melbourne in a harsh, early-COVID lockdown, we meet Kevin, a 40-something living in his parents’ attic, trying to reckon with how much his life, career, and relationships have changed. The attic, covered in glittery Dolly Parton memorabilia, beautifully designed by Paul Wills, soon becomes a fantasy land when one of Kevin’s life-size posters comes to life and Dolly Parton herself steps into his world.
If the setting and plot doesn’t give it away, Here You Come Again is campy, fun, and full of Dolly-isms that can be enjoyed by casual fans and die-hard Dolly heads alike.
Tricia Paoluccio is effervescent, bubbly and bursting with energy as Dolly; rhinestone-encrusted gingham and all. (The amazing costume design is by Paul Wills.) Her voice, accent and mannerisms offer a loving nod to the country music icon without veering into tribute act territory. She has a lot of fun with the audience, which was a joy to watch.
Our protagonist, Kevin, is played with plenty of heart and humour by Dash Kruck. He displays a charming quality, soaring voice, and a cheeky nature that immediately endears Kevin to the audience.
The band are superbly led by Musical Director Andrew Worboys. The cast is completed by the talented trio of Kellie Rode, Bailey Dunnage and Laura Joy Bunting. Together, they are intertwined as background vocalists and supporting characters in Kevin’s life, including his mother, love interest, and agent.
The three are a cohesive unit and offer a stunning layer of harmony on Tricia’s lead vocals. They inject plenty of energy, particularly in choreographed moments, with really fun work from Choreographer James Maxfield.
There are plenty of standout musical moments, with The Seeker, I Will Always Love You, Jolene and Two Doors Down particular highlights. Audience favourites are covered too, and on opening night, the finale megamix brought the house down.
The plot did at times feel slightly stunted and engineered to set up punchlines, including specific Dolly facts or song lyrics. But gauging the audience, people were there for the music, and every opening chord brought with it a sense of excitement.
I did wonder if the show could benefit from some tightening into one act, given Act One ended with more of a fizzle than a crowd-pleasing bang. There were a few runs of lesser-known, more subdued songs that juxtaposed the Dolly classics like 9 to 5 and Islands in the Stream.
Here You Come Again is a hoot and well worth a look if you’re a Dolly Parton fan. If you’re more of a musical theatre purist, you may find yourself wanting a bit more from the plot. Either way, Dolly’s music is worthy of a production this high quality and grand, and the creatives behind it are phenomenally talented.
Here You Come Again runs to 6 September at the Regal Theatre Perth, 474 Hay Street Subiaco WA 6008.
Tickets: https://hereyoucomeagain.com.au/bookings/
Website: https://hereyoucomeagain.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/hereyoucomeagainaustralia/
Photo credits: Cameron Grant
2025 Australian Tour details:
Regal Theatre Perth from 22 August Tickets
Theatre Royal Sydney from 12 September Tickets
Comedy Theatre Melbourne from 23 October Tickets
Civic Theatre Newcastle from 20 November Tickets
Canberra Theatre Centre from 27 November Tickets
Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide from 6 December Tickets
