This show is the next best thing to Dolly 'live and in concert'

The Advertiser

3 days ago

Tricia Paoluccio grew up on an almond farm in Modesto, California, singing the songs of Dolly Parton and daydreaming about following in her footsteps.
That dream has come true. Tricia is travelling the world as Dolly in Here You Come Again, a musical comedy she co-wrote with Bruce Vilanch and her husband, Gabriel Barre.
Her parents still live on the farm, and it's where the idea for Here You Come Again was born.
"My husband and I developed the idea and wrote it there during lockdown in 2020," she tells Weekender.
"It's my favourite place on Earth."
The heartfelt musical tells the story of a diehard Dolly Parton fan whose fantasy version of the international icon helps him navigate life's toughest challenges. With her wit, humour, and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps.
The show, which is produced by arrangement with Dolly herself, sold-out seasons across the US and UK and is now touring Australia.
Tricia plays the role of Dolly alongside Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Kevin, Kellie Rode (Come From Away) as Mum, Laura Joy Bunting (Grease The Musical) as Tish, and Bailey Dunnage (Ride The Cyclone) as Jeremy.
The musical has been adapted for Australia by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish and will feature all of Dolly's hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You.
"I didn't come from a music family but my mother loved musicals and took me to musicals as a kid, we watched all the musical films together, I did dance classes, and she really supported my love of it," Tricia says.
"It was my mum who bought me my first album, Here You Come Again, when I was six, which is where all this began."
Tricia's other New York Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, The Green Bird and A View from the Bridge.
Having grown up mimicking Dolly's voice, Tricia had to "unlearn" how to sing like Dolly to find her own voice.
"You know, I think my own voice was waiting for me all along, but there is a lesson in trusting that what you are is enough," she says.
"Even when I don't sing as Dolly, her influence on my natural style is ever-present.
"When I am performing as Dolly, it does feel like her essence naturally channels through me. In the same way that when I am not being Dolly, the essence of me, Tricia, is just there.
"Funnily enough, while I feel like many of Dolly's characteristics have shaped me, as Tricia, I have no desire to wear make-up and fancy clothes, and slip very comfortably back to being me: a mum, a daughter, a friend and wife."
Working with creative teams in each of the countries Here You Come Again visits is a joy, she says, and keeps things fresh.
"The story of the show is universal, but it's a lovely opportunity to work with a local creative team, to ensure that the show sits in every environment it's performed in and is easily relatable," Tricia says.
"I adore the Australian company, they are super talented, wonderful actors and multi-skilled performers, and I honestly feel like already I've made new life longfriends.
"What an honour it is to travel the world and work with incredible artists along the way, all of us united by telling this beautiful story of hope and love. Every day we all get to do what we love, for work, and that is a great privilege."
And her favourite Dolly songs to sing on stage?
"I love singing Little Andy which is not one of Dolly's most well-known hits, but I love it for the comedy and tragedy," Tricia replies.
"I sing this and I get to simultaneously make the audience laugh and cry at the same time. It's a true country song!"
Tricia Paoluccio grew up on an almond farm in Modesto, California, singing the songs of Dolly Parton and daydreaming about following in her footsteps.
That dream has come true. Tricia is travelling the world as Dolly in Here You Come Again, a musical comedy she co-wrote with Bruce Vilanch and her husband, Gabriel Barre.
Her parents still live on the farm, and it's where the idea for Here You Come Again was born.
"My husband and I developed the idea and wrote it there during lockdown in 2020," she tells Weekender.
"It's my favourite place on Earth."
The heartfelt musical tells the story of a diehard Dolly Parton fan whose fantasy version of the international icon helps him navigate life's toughest challenges. With her wit, humour, and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps.
The show, which is produced by arrangement with Dolly herself, sold-out seasons across the US and UK and is now touring Australia.
Tricia plays the role of Dolly alongside Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Kevin, Kellie Rode (Come From Away) as Mum, Laura Joy Bunting (Grease The Musical) as Tish, and Bailey Dunnage (Ride The Cyclone) as Jeremy.
The musical has been adapted for Australia by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish and will feature all of Dolly's hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You.
"I didn't come from a music family but my mother loved musicals and took me to musicals as a kid, we watched all the musical films together, I did dance classes, and she really supported my love of it," Tricia says.
"It was my mum who bought me my first album, Here You Come Again, when I was six, which is where all this began."
Tricia's other New York Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, The Green Bird and A View from the Bridge.
Having grown up mimicking Dolly's voice, Tricia had to "unlearn" how to sing like Dolly to find her own voice.
"You know, I think my own voice was waiting for me all along, but there is a lesson in trusting that what you are is enough," she says.
"Even when I don't sing as Dolly, her influence on my natural style is ever-present.
"When I am performing as Dolly, it does feel like her essence naturally channels through me. In the same way that when I am not being Dolly, the essence of me, Tricia, is just there.
"Funnily enough, while I feel like many of Dolly's characteristics have shaped me, as Tricia, I have no desire to wear make-up and fancy clothes, and slip very comfortably back to being me: a mum, a daughter, a friend and wife."
Working with creative teams in each of the countries Here You Come Again visits is a joy, she says, and keeps things fresh.
"The story of the show is universal, but it's a lovely opportunity to work with a local creative team, to ensure that the show sits in every environment it's performed in and is easily relatable," Tricia says.
"I adore the Australian company, they are super talented, wonderful actors and multi-skilled performers, and I honestly feel like already I've made new life longfriends.
"What an honour it is to travel the world and work with incredible artists along the way, all of us united by telling this beautiful story of hope and love. Every day we all get to do what we love, for work, and that is a great privilege."
And her favourite Dolly songs to sing on stage?
"I love singing Little Andy which is not one of Dolly's most well-known hits, but I love it for the comedy and tragedy," Tricia replies.
"I sing this and I get to simultaneously make the audience laugh and cry at the same time. It's a true country song!"
Tricia Paoluccio grew up on an almond farm in Modesto, California, singing the songs of Dolly Parton and daydreaming about following in her footsteps.
That dream has come true. Tricia is travelling the world as Dolly in Here You Come Again, a musical comedy she co-wrote with Bruce Vilanch and her husband, Gabriel Barre.
Her parents still live on the farm, and it's where the idea for Here You Come Again was born.
"My husband and I developed the idea and wrote it there during lockdown in 2020," she tells Weekender.
"It's my favourite place on Earth."
The heartfelt musical tells the story of a diehard Dolly Parton fan whose fantasy version of the international icon helps him navigate life's toughest challenges. With her wit, humour, and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps.
The show, which is produced by arrangement with Dolly herself, sold-out seasons across the US and UK and is now touring Australia.
Tricia plays the role of Dolly alongside Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Kevin, Kellie Rode (Come From Away) as Mum, Laura Joy Bunting (Grease The Musical) as Tish, and Bailey Dunnage (Ride The Cyclone) as Jeremy.
The musical has been adapted for Australia by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish and will feature all of Dolly's hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You.
"I didn't come from a music family but my mother loved musicals and took me to musicals as a kid, we watched all the musical films together, I did dance classes, and she really supported my love of it," Tricia says.
"It was my mum who bought me my first album, Here You Come Again, when I was six, which is where all this began."
Tricia's other New York Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, The Green Bird and A View from the Bridge.
Having grown up mimicking Dolly's voice, Tricia had to "unlearn" how to sing like Dolly to find her own voice.
"You know, I think my own voice was waiting for me all along, but there is a lesson in trusting that what you are is enough," she says.
"Even when I don't sing as Dolly, her influence on my natural style is ever-present.
"When I am performing as Dolly, it does feel like her essence naturally channels through me. In the same way that when I am not being Dolly, the essence of me, Tricia, is just there.
"Funnily enough, while I feel like many of Dolly's characteristics have shaped me, as Tricia, I have no desire to wear make-up and fancy clothes, and slip very comfortably back to being me: a mum, a daughter, a friend and wife."
Working with creative teams in each of the countries Here You Come Again visits is a joy, she says, and keeps things fresh.
"The story of the show is universal, but it's a lovely opportunity to work with a local creative team, to ensure that the show sits in every environment it's performed in and is easily relatable," Tricia says.
"I adore the Australian company, they are super talented, wonderful actors and multi-skilled performers, and I honestly feel like already I've made new life longfriends.
"What an honour it is to travel the world and work with incredible artists along the way, all of us united by telling this beautiful story of hope and love. Every day we all get to do what we love, for work, and that is a great privilege."
And her favourite Dolly songs to sing on stage?
"I love singing Little Andy which is not one of Dolly's most well-known hits, but I love it for the comedy and tragedy," Tricia replies.
"I sing this and I get to simultaneously make the audience laugh and cry at the same time. It's a true country song!"
Tricia Paoluccio grew up on an almond farm in Modesto, California, singing the songs of Dolly Parton and daydreaming about following in her footsteps.
That dream has come true. Tricia is travelling the world as Dolly in Here You Come Again, a musical comedy she co-wrote with Bruce Vilanch and her husband, Gabriel Barre.
Her parents still live on the farm, and it's where the idea for Here You Come Again was born.
"My husband and I developed the idea and wrote it there during lockdown in 2020," she tells Weekender.
"It's my favourite place on Earth."
The heartfelt musical tells the story of a diehard Dolly Parton fan whose fantasy version of the international icon helps him navigate life's toughest challenges. With her wit, humour, and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps.
The show, which is produced by arrangement with Dolly herself, sold-out seasons across the US and UK and is now touring Australia.
Tricia plays the role of Dolly alongside Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Kevin, Kellie Rode (Come From Away) as Mum, Laura Joy Bunting (Grease The Musical) as Tish, and Bailey Dunnage (Ride The Cyclone) as Jeremy.
The musical has been adapted for Australia by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish and will feature all of Dolly's hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You.
"I didn't come from a music family but my mother loved musicals and took me to musicals as a kid, we watched all the musical films together, I did dance classes, and she really supported my love of it," Tricia says.
"It was my mum who bought me my first album, Here You Come Again, when I was six, which is where all this began."
Tricia's other New York Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, The Green Bird and A View from the Bridge.
Having grown up mimicking Dolly's voice, Tricia had to "unlearn" how to sing like Dolly to find her own voice.
"You know, I think my own voice was waiting for me all along, but there is a lesson in trusting that what you are is enough," she says.
"Even when I don't sing as Dolly, her influence on my natural style is ever-present.
"When I am performing as Dolly, it does feel like her essence naturally channels through me. In the same way that when I am not being Dolly, the essence of me, Tricia, is just there.
"Funnily enough, while I feel like many of Dolly's characteristics have shaped me, as Tricia, I have no desire to wear make-up and fancy clothes, and slip very comfortably back to being me: a mum, a daughter, a friend and wife."
Working with creative teams in each of the countries Here You Come Again visits is a joy, she says, and keeps things fresh.
"The story of the show is universal, but it's a lovely opportunity to work with a local creative team, to ensure that the show sits in every environment it's performed in and is easily relatable," Tricia says.
"I adore the Australian company, they are super talented, wonderful actors and multi-skilled performers, and I honestly feel like already I've made new life longfriends.
"What an honour it is to travel the world and work with incredible artists along the way, all of us united by telling this beautiful story of hope and love. Every day we all get to do what we love, for work, and that is a great privilege."
And her favourite Dolly songs to sing on stage?
"I love singing Little Andy which is not one of Dolly's most well-known hits, but I love it for the comedy and tragedy," Tricia replies.
"I sing this and I get to simultaneously make the audience laugh and cry at the same time. It's a true country song!"