Here You Come Again (Dolly Parton musical)

On the surface, the plotline—a gay man in his 40s navigates a breakup and the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of an apparition of his idol, Dolly Parton—sounds like something you might expect from a smaller, more niche production, perhaps at a Fringe festival or during a Pride festival. Yet, this show opened last night at Sydney’s Theatre Royal.

Musicals have gone through several revolutionary phases in the last 50 years. The 1970s brought us groundbreaking productions, like Rocky Horror and Jesus Christ Superstar, followed by spectacle-driven shows like Les Misérables. Then came Rent, which introduced a new thematic style and challenged conventional storytelling.

More recently, the jukebox musical has become a phenomenon. Made wildly popular by shows like ABBA’s Mamma Mia!, this format uses a beloved artist’s discography to drive the narrative. Sometimes, the story-line is rather contrived.

It seems every major musician now has a musical tribute, and Here You Come Again fits squarely into this category. The show is not just a musical; it’s a showcase of Dolly Parton’s timeless songs and her philosophy of positivity and resilience.

The plot, while centered on a modern, relatable struggle, provides a platform for Parton’s signature wit and wisdom. The show’s humor is at times very “gay”, but it adds a layer of authenticity that my friend, Grant and I could relate to, and probably most of the audience, too.

The lead actor, who plays the Dolly-obsessed protagonist, is highly believable. However, it’s the performer playing Dolly who truly steals the show. Not only does she sound remarkably like the country legend, but she perfectly captures the essence of Dolly’s charming, down-to-earth nature.

For both of us, the experience was a delightful blend of great music, engaging performances, and a story that, despite its niche premise, felt universally human. Highly recommended.