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British producer Gavin Kalin joins production team

Dolly: An Original Musical, the new show about the life and career of country music legend Dolly Parton, has announced a pre-Broadway tryout at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville, TN.

The show will play a four-week limited engagement at the Fisher Center from 18 July to 17 August 2025.

All being well, Dolly: An Original Musical is then slated to open on Broadway in 2026. The musical is produced by Parton, Dolly’s manager Danny Nozell, and UK-based ATG Productions.

West End and Broadway producer Gavin Kalin and his Gavin Kalin Productions (Cabaret, Sunset Boulevard, Mrs Doubtfire, Back to the Future) have also signed up to produce the show. ATG and Gavin Kalin were also involved in previous Dolly show 9 to 5 The Musical.

Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner serve as casting directors, and 101 Productions, Ltd. is general manager for the musical.

Casting and additional creatives are to be announced.

Dolly: An Original Musical boasts a score by Dolly Parton that will include some of her biggest hits as well as new songs she has written especially for the musical.

The show has a book by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter, and is directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher (Kiss Me, Kate, My Fair Lady, South Pacific).

Dolly Parton said in a statement: “I am Tennessee born and raised, and Nashville has been my musical home for over 60 years. So, this is the right and perfect place to present the world premiere of my life story as a musical. Right here in Nashville, at the beautiful Belmont University’s Fisher Center.”

The musical was first announced in June 2024. In December, producers of the show launched a “Search for Dolly” talent competition, to find a star for the show.

Video: Watch Dolly announce her new show

Dolly U educational experience

Dolly Parton, Dolly: An Original Musical, CTK Enterprises and Belmont University have also announced the launch of Dolly U, an immersive educational experience that will begin with a focus on the creation of the musical’s world premiere. The initial Dolly U allows students opportunities to participate in aspects of the production, working alongside the musical’s professional cast, creative, and producing teams, as it is developed and premieres at the Fisher Center this summer. In addition, new project-based courses are being offered during the spring semester in subjects such as marketing, brand partnerships, and merchandising, providing students hands-on opportunities with the musical while receiving course credit.

The projects in this first year will serve as a pilot for additional courses and connections between Belmont, Dolly Parton, and CTK Enterprises in the future, as Dolly U expands in reach and impact.

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Main photo: Dolly An Original Musical

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