Here You Come Again

This is a sweet musical and a good night out. The narrative might be thin, but as the lady herself has said - if you want a rainbow, you’ve got to put up with a bit of rain.

First let me help get your bearings about where this production is placed on the Dolly musical universe.

9 to 5 the musical, adapted from the movie, had its Australian professional premiere in 2022.  Currently on the way to Broadway, is the large cast all singing and dancing, fully autobiographical Dolly: A True Original Musical.

Set during Covid-19, Here You Come Again has slipped in between.

The leading man Kevin opens the production by tossing bulk packages of toilet rolls into the window of his parent’s attic where he is taking refuge.

The small cast production has a terrific on-stage band (under Andrew Warboys), a knockout Dolly Parton impersonator Tricia Paoluccio (who is also one of the writers) and a lively leading man – Dash Kruck.

In the story Kevin has just been dumped by his boyfriend, and the attic is a child-like space is adorned with Dolly Parton posters.

The country music superstar is a magical fairy Godmother type figure who appears in the attic to guide Kevin through his troubles and of course sing a lot of hit songs including the title track, “Joeline” and “9 to 5”.

This production has transplanted the narrative to Australia. Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish have adapted the book so that Kevin is from regional Victoria. He speaks fondly of his time in the Bendigo community theatre scene.

I am not sure whether it really needed this transplantation but full marks to the creatives for allowing a local flavour.

The story is constrained by the fact that Kevin is isolated in one room and communicates remotely with his parents and ex-boyfriend.  Dolly sometimes indulges him with references to her own experiences such as infertility and her mysterious husband.

It was a stretch to justify the pair singing the duet “Islands in the Stream” but worthwhile for the entertainment.

As is often the case with juke-box musicals, the second act is the highlight, with the set performing its own bit of magic and a mega mix of Dolly’s hits.

There is a nice symmetry to the story and Dolly’s life. She did give solace to millions during the pandemic with her podcasts and gave a generous donation to find a vaccine.

Overall, the audience had a great time and the scores of tackily dressed would-be Dolly Partons made it a pink night to remember.

David Spicer

Photographer: Cameron Grant

Tour dates

Melbourne Comedy Theatre from Oct 23.

Newcastle from Nov 20.

Canberra from Nov 27.

Adelaide from Dec 6.