Here You Come Again

Tricia Paoluccio is a multifaceted performer and visual artist who has worked across stage film and television as well as fine arts. Her uncanny ability to sing just like Dolly Parton is an opportunity for Paoluccio to consolidate a long-term dedication to the singer. Rather than constructing a traditional biographical account of Dolly Parton’s life, the show imagines her as a fairy godmother to superfan Kevin (Dash Kruck). Set in the COVID period, Kevin is experiencing personal difficulties and is forced to move back home with his parents.  Surrounded by a plethora of Dolly Parton paraphernalia from his youth and wallowing in his sorrows, Parton appears to Kevin and coaches him through his woes. This is done by some wholesome words of wisdom, belting out some of her songs, as well as singalongs and duets with Kevin.

This makes for a very humble account of the artist and emphasises the way in which she genuinely touches the heart of her fans. Paoluccio is astonishing in her ability to recreate the sound, the pitch, the voice and the persona of the iconic artist. She does this with a good measure of humour and fun, replicating Parton’s own ability to not take herself too seriously. Kruck creates a very identifiable and amiable Kevin, and this gives a lot of credibility to the premise of the show. This is also reflected in the very realistic set design which depicts his childhood home and dedication to Dolly. It also gives licence to the imagined encounter to indulge in and explore his fandom via Parton’s most outlandish qualities. The contrast of Kevin’s ordinary existence with Parton’s flash and glamour, emphasised by some spectacular lighting and stage effects, creates some visually amusing scenes.

Dolly Parton fans in the audience will definitely find the show extremely satisfying as Paoluccio brings her idol to life by performing some of Parton’s most popular songs, supported by a fabulous band. The theme song to the show Here You Come Again sets the right tone and as Kevin pours his heart and soul out to Dolly there are numerous opportunities to break out into song and hear other favourites such as Jolene, Nine to Five and the incredible hit Islands in the Stream. Paoluccio takes the time to make a connection to Australia by pointing out that the hit song was written by Australian band, The Bee Gees. The show is also given an Australian context and a variety of touches of Australiana to make it relevant to a local audience.

This is a well thought out and genuinely heartwarming approach to telling the story of Dolly Parton as a very unique artist whose popularity went well beyond the Kitsch cowgirl imagery. Choosing to portray her as a “rhinestone-clad, no-nonsense fairy godmother” is as apt as it is authentic.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Cameron Grant