From the moment the curtain rises, you can feel the promise of Dolly Parton’s larger-than-life energy about to fill the stage in the new musical comedy Here You Come Again. The audience is greeted with a riot of colour and Dolly-themed treasures, setting the tone for the fun ahead. It also doesn’t hurt that half the audience has turned up for opening night in Dolly wigs, bosoms and rhinestone-studded attire.
The story centres on a die-hard Dolly fan, Kevin, a 40-something man living in his parents’ attic in Melbourne, whose life is unravelling in the midst of the pandemic. That’s until a fantasy version of his idol shows up with sass, sparkle and a surprising amount of wisdom. With her trademark wit and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull oneself up by the bootstraps.
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Californian-born Tricia Paoluccio (Fiddler on the Roof, The Green Bird, A View from the Bridge) steps into Dolly Parton’s glittering shoes (and wigs) with effortless charm and powerhouse vocals, a performance that makes it obvious why she co-created the show. Conceived during the pandemic, the production radiates her genuine passion for the country music superstar. Paoluccio’s sharp comic timing, soaring vocals and easy stage presence make her the ultimate Dolly, and by the final curtain, the audience’s thunderous applause leaves no doubt they see her that way too.
Opposite Paoluccio is Australia’s own Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Kevin, who brings the perfect mix of vulnerability and cheek. He’s funny and endearing without tipping into caricature, grounding the fantasy with a performance that feels relatable and real. His character spends much of the show in his pyjamas while reflecting on his life, occasionally sneaking in an odd glass of wine here and there. It’s a scene that feels all too familiar during the pandemic years.
Together, Paoluccio and Kruck strike a balance of heart and humour, creating a duo you want to cheer for. Their chemistry makes Kevin’s situation and Dolly’s intervention feel not only believable but genuinely touching. One moment you’re giggling at the rhinestone-studded one-liners delivered by Dolly. Then you’re swept up in a song that lands like a pep talk for the soul.
The music is, of course, the heartbeat of the show, which has been cleverly selected from Dolly’s massive repertoire by Paoluccio and director Gabriel Barre. Numbers include Dolly’s most famous hits such as Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You and more. Backed by a live band (Andrew Worboys, Ash Murdica, Tina Harris, Luke Herbert) and a clever ensemble of three (Kellie Rode, Bailey Dunnage, Laura Joy Bunting), the energy rarely dips. It’s a small cast with a big heart.
The show balances in-jokes and deep cuts with a universal story about resilience, friendship and finding joy in the messiness of life. The songs may be familiar, but it’s the way they’re reimagined on stage, paired with witty dialogue and tender moments, that makes them feel fresh.
Bursting with nostalgia, Here You Come Again is cheeky, yet heartfelt. It’s a feel-good celebration of Dolly’s music and the way her spirit inspires people to pick themselves up, rhinestones and all. True to Dolly form, the production sparkles from start to finish, a fresh reminder of how enduring and irresistible her songs remain, no matter your level of fandom.
This toe-tapping production is now touring Australia after sold-out seasons in the U.S. and U.K. Here You Come Again is on at Theatre Royal Sydney until 18 October 2025. The production runs for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including a 20-minute interval to readjust your rhinestone-studded attire.
- Sydney: Theatre Royal Sydney from 12 September 2025
- Melbourne: Comedy Theatre from 23 October
- Newcastle: The Civic Theatre from 20 November 2025
- Canberra: Canberra Theatre Centre from 27 November 2025
- Adelaide: Her Majesty’s Theatre from 6 December 2025