Latest news with #FisherCenterforthePerformingArts
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Dolly Parton reveals 'mixed emotions' about new tribute musical
A new Dolly Parton musical is ready to hit the stage, but the superstar isn't all smiles about the prospect. As the musical is gearing up for its debut, Parton, 79, has revealed that seeing her life unfold in theatrical form is as emotional as it is exciting. Set to premiere in Nashville, Tennessee this summer, Dolly: An Official Musical marks Parton's first foray into full-scale musical theatre. It opens at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on August 8, following previews from July 18, before heading to Broadway in 2026. Though Parton has long been associated with theatre through her film-to-stage adaptations like 9 to 5, this will be the first production to delve deeply into her personal story. Speaking to People during a promotional interview for her new frozen meals line with Conagra, Parton reflected on what it's been like to help shape the musical. She admitted the experience of watching her life portrayed on stage stirred up a complex mix of feelings. 'It's a strange thing to see parts of your life acted out in front of you,' she said, describing the process as both touching and surreal. She found herself laughing and crying in equal measure as scenes from her past came to life during casting and rehearsals. The retrospective nature of the show led her to marvel at how much she's done over the years, and how much emotion still lingers in those memories. The production, which combines beloved hits with original songs written by Parton herself, won't follow a strict chronological format. Instead, it weaves together key moments from her career and life story, offering audiences a dynamic and sometimes unexpected journey. 'There's a lot of heart in it, a lot of the music people love—but also some they've never heard before,' she said. 'It's big, it's bold, and it's honest.' Though the show has been in the works for several years, Parton said she waited until now to tell the story in full, feeling that age and experience gave her the clarity to do it right. More Trending Known for her relentless work ethic, Parton noted that rehearsals are running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – a wink to her famous song 9 to 5 – and that she'll be deeply involved through August as the show takes shape. However, fans hoping to see her on stage might be disappointed. Parton won't be performing in the musical herself, choosing instead to support the cast from behind the scenes. 'I'll be in Nashville all summer, making sure it all comes together,' she said. 'And then, who knows? Maybe I'll just take a breather. I think I've earned one.' Parton's enthusiasm remains infectious: 'It's hard work, more than I ever imagined,' she admitted. 'But I'm excited. I really am. I can't wait to see what the world thinks.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Taylor Swift fans 'heartbroken' as singer reveals bittersweet news in emotional message MORE: Kylie Jenner shares cheeky peek inside sex life with boyfriend Timothee Chalamet MORE: Hollywood couple reveal plans to quit US for new 'colder' life in London
Axios
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Dolly Parton's Broadway-bound musical will have its world premiere this summer in Nashville
Before Dolly Parton takes her life story to Broadway, she's making a pit stop in Music City. Driving the news: Parton's "Dolly: An Original Musical" will have its world premiere this summer at Belmont University's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The hometown run begins July 18 with performances through Aug. 17. Tickets starting at $40 are on sale now. Why it matters: Feedback from Nashville audiences will help shape the show before it heads to Broadway in 2026. Belmont students are getting experience with the Tony-winning creative team as they fine-tune the show. What she's saying:"It just seemed natural and right for me to be able to premiere the story of my life in Tennessee because I'm Tennessee born and Tennessee raised," Parton said Tuesday while announcing the premiere. State of play: The musical will tell Parton's "rags to rhinestones" life story. Parton says it will capture "the prices that you have to pay, the miles that you have to travel and the sacrifices that you make" on the road to stardom. "Everybody thinks it's all glamorous and glory and money and fame, but there's so much more to a life." The musical will feature gems from Parton's sprawling catalog of hits, such as "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." But she's also writing new material to capture the dramatic arc of the story. The musical's director, Tony-winner Bartlett Sher, teased one of Parton's new compositions, "God, Sex and Music" as his favorite in the show. Zoom in: Belmont is making the most of this partnership. The university launched a program called Dolly U that will allow students to work with and learn from the professionals bringing Parton's musical to the stage. An early crop of students has already helped with workshop productions of the show. More than 100 are participating now, and Belmont plans to keep the program going through other collaborations with Parton. Between the lines: Broadway shows can take years to produce, and shows often evolve considerably during production. "Out-of-town tryouts," like this run in Nashville, give the creative team a chance to see the show performed in front of a crowd. Changes are typical as writers and actors determine what works and what doesn't. The intrigue: It's a dynamic process that will be catnip for theater lovers who want to see how the sausage is made. Songs might get scrapped, retooled or moved around. New songs or dialogue might get written. "If you see it in the first week, it's going to be different than if you see it in the second week because we're going to be making changes every day," Sher said. The bottom line:"It's so different than country music or the world that I live in," Parton said. "I really have come to admire and respect the great talents that really get up there and do this."
