As we reach the end of the Australian musical season for the year, an intriguing musical is coming to the Theatre Royal for the first time. After the success of the 9 to 5 Dolly Parton musical in 2022, another Dolly Parton musical is touring around called Here You Come Again. However, this musical, which is the brainchild of Tricia Paoluccio, who also stars as Dolly, Gabriel Barre and Bruce Vilanch, and is a lot more fantastical than a traditional musical. 

This production has a very thin plot centred around a man who returns to his parent’s home during lockdown after a breakup where he is visited by a guardian angel version of Dolly Parton. This mythical singer proceeds to perform all of Parton’s hits, with the plot largely being a sideshow for the music and not really of significant consequence. 

The best thing about this musical is by far the performance of Paoluccio. Her voice is exactly like Parton’s and she performs with charisma, singing the songs with heart and passion. And for the most part, they are fantastic songs as well which lend themselves well to the stage.

The band is also incredibly strong, often coming onto stage to play alongside the performers, giving the show a more intimate feel. The problem is just with the storyline. Even for a jukebox musical, there is absolutely nothing for the performers to work with and the story does nothing to the show except to add an hour onto what would otherwise be a very strong tribute show. 

The show has been rewritten for an Australian audience and while the jokes can be funny at times, it is the music that really makes the show shine. From “9 to 5” to “Jolene” to the titular track, Parton’s catalogue of hits is on full display in the show and the band and Paoluccio really bring life to the tracks. It would have perhaps been more engaging if the storyline had brought out some facts about the singer, like in similar musicals about Tina Turner and Elvis Presley that have recently come to Sydney. 

There were also a few slips on the night reviewed with Dash Kruck struggling a little vocally and breaking character a few times as he needed to take a sip of water. However, overall, the production was quite polished, especially musically which really goes to the heart of the show. The megamix at the end of the show is truly fantastic and a great way to cap everything off. 

Overall, this is an intriguing show which is probably not quite sure of its place and its form. As a cross between a musical and tribute show, it does not quite commit to either which means to some degree, it is hard to connect with the performances. The performers, especially Paoluccio, are spectacular and the songs give life to the show but ultimately, the thin storyline lets the production down. This is still an exciting production for Parton fans who want to enjoy her music and with a little reworking, could be something quite special. 

Rating: ★★★

Here You Come Again plays at the Theatre Royal until 18^th October. For more information, click here.

Photo credit: Cameron Grant