Review: The Spirit Of Dolly Sparkles In Here You Come Again

It’s a sparkly, glittery, shiny Wednesday night and Melbourne is ready to party on the pink carpet! Here You Come Again has landed, with Dolly Parton fans gathering in delight at the Comedy Theatre. The opening night is filled with big smiles and fabulous heels, and we know we are set for something special.

Created by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio, and adapted for Australian audiences by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish, we’re off to a tree house in Bendigo during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Kevin, played by Dash Kruck, is stocking up on supplies with his three dozen rolls of toilet paper. He jumps through the window at the top of his parents’ place and steps into his space which is wall-to-wall with Dolly Parton paraphernalia. 

Not having changed much since he was a teen, Kevin rifles through memories just as he receives a break-up text from his boyfriend. This sets off a huge surge of emotions, bringing Dolly Parton to life!

As Kevin’s imaginary mentor, ‘Dolly,’ played Tricia Paoluccio, takes the audience on a journey through her greatest hits, all woven together in a story of hope, resilience and uplifting spirit. Featuring some of Dolly’s best songs, they include Here You Come Again, Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, and I Will Always Love You. The musical features all things fabulous with clever and quick shimmery costume changes, hilarious humour and absolutely outstanding vocals.

Gabriel Barre has directed such fun here. The show bursts with joyous energy, while still delivering a strong message about self-love and finding your inner strength through inspiration. There are many standout moments, none more so than Jolene, which saw the venue light up with phone torches.

The brilliant moments keep coming. Your eyes are constantly drawn to new parts of the story, with clever props, smart set choices, and Dolly’s stunning outfits, hair, and makeup. Big praise to Paul Wills’ set and costume design, Jennifer Langford’s costume making and Abi Morris’ wigs.

Here You Come Again is relatable and down to earth, even with Dolly Parton as a figment of Kevin’s imagination! You believe his struggle in the clothes he wears. In the mess of his room. In the kettle going off, the mini fridge, and the moment he finds his phone in the microwave. Each time he faces a setback, you feel her lift.

The production is everyone’s inner thoughts brought to life on stage. It captures the hope that one day, your idol might walk through your bedroom door, or in this case, cupboard, and stay for a heart-to-heart (and maybe a song or two!).

As Kevin, Dash Kruck truly embodies the everyman. You believe his story through every emotion he shows. His presence, stance, and shifting energy hold our attention. His acting carries the show and his musicality and timing are superb. Kruck makes you feel like it could be you up there. He draws the audience in and makes us part of every magical moment.

By contrast, as Dolly, Tricia Paoluccio is the strongest ray of sunshine that powers through it all. With brilliant vocals and her natural flair and finesse, she lights up the stage and all of Melbourne. Her portrayal of Dolly Parton is exceptional.

Rounding out the cast are Kellie Rode as Kevin’s Mum, Laura Joy Bunting as Tish, and Bailey Dunnage as Jeremy. Together they lift the show with humour, happiness and hilarity. They are a great troupe, adding to the thrill of the production with amazing voices, comedy and teamwork.

Here You Come Again is a playful and charming production that lifts the spirit, Dolly fan or not. We can all relate to turning to songs when words aren’t enough to express what we feel. Music has the power to carry us through heartbreak, losses, the tough days, and even the seemingly impossible.

Here You Come Again is a hydrogen balloon full of jokes and joy, ready to burst and fill the theatre with glitter. It’s a best friend’s hug, a cork popping on a bottle of luminous champagne, a hot chocolate with marshmallows served in a tall cocktail glass. It’s fabulous fun, and not to be missed!

Here You Come Again is on now at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre for a limited season to 20 July. It returns to Melbourne in October following a national tour. See full tour dates and cities below.

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:

Comedy Theatre Melbourne from 12 July. Tickets

Regal Theatre Perth from 22 August Tickets

Theatre Royal Sydney from 12 September Tickets

Civic Theatre Newcastle from 20 November Tickets

Canberra Theatre Centre from 27 November Tickets

Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide from 6 December Tickets