A heartfelt musical celebrating the music and spirit of country music legend Dolly Parton has arrived in Newcastle, offering audiences a dose of hope and classic tunes.
From California Farm to Global Stage
Tricia Paoluccio, who grew up on an almond farm in Modesto, California, is living her childhood dream by starring as Dolly Parton in Here You Come Again. The show, which she co-wrote with her husband Gabriel Barre and Bruce Vilanch during the 2020 lockdown, was conceived on her family's property, a place she describes as her favourite on Earth.
The musical comedy tells the universal story of a devoted Dolly fan named Kevin, whose life is transformed when a fantasy version of the icon appears to help him through difficult times. With her signature wit and charm, this Dolly teaches him about resilience, love, and the importance of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.
A Certified Hit Down Under
After sold-out seasons across the United States and the United Kingdom, the production is now captivating Australian audiences. The show is produced by arrangement with Dolly Parton herself and features all of her greatest hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You.
Joining Tricia Paoluccio on stage is a talented Australian cast including Dash Kruck as Kevin, Kellie Rode as Mum, Laura Joy Bunting as Tish, and Bailey Dunnage as Jeremy. The musical has been specially adapted for local audiences by Australian writers Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish.
The Woman Behind the Wig
For Tricia, the journey to becoming Dolly began at age six when her mother bought her the Here You Come Again album. While her family wasn't musical, her mother's love for musicals and unwavering support nurtured her passion.
Interestingly, Tricia had to 'unlearn' how to sing like Dolly after a lifetime of mimicking her voice to discover her own vocal identity. She reflects that Dolly's influence remains ever-present in her natural singing style, even when she's not in character.
Offstage, Tricia happily sheds the glamour, returning to her roles as a mother, daughter, friend, and wife with no desire for makeup or fancy clothes. She describes the experience of working with local creative teams in each country as a joy that keeps the production fresh and relatable.
Here You Come Again is playing at Newcastle's Civic Theatre from November 20 to 23. Tickets are on sale now for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, hope, and the enduring spirit of Dolly Parton.
