What's Happening?
Dolly Parton's new musical, 'Dolly: A True Original Musical,' has received harsh criticism following its opening in Nashville, Tennessee. The show, which narrates Parton's life from her Appalachian roots to global fame, is produced by Parton, Danny Nozell, and the Ambassador Theatre Group. Despite its anticipated Broadway debut next year, the musical has been described as overly long and filled with too many of Parton's songs, some of which are obscure. The format, featuring three actresses portraying Parton at different life stages, has been compared to other biographical musicals like 'Tina: The Tina Turner Musical' and 'The Cher Show.' Director Bartlett Sher, known for his work on revivals, has been criticized as a poor fit for the production. The script, co-written by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter, has been labeled as needing significant revisions.
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Why It's Important?
The reception of 'Dolly: A True Original Musical' is significant as it highlights the challenges of adapting a beloved figure's life into a stage production. The criticism could impact its potential success on Broadway, a major platform for theatrical productions. The feedback suggests that without substantial changes, the musical may struggle to attract audiences and achieve commercial success. This situation underscores the importance of aligning creative direction with audience expectations, especially when dealing with iconic personalities like Dolly Parton. The outcome of this production could influence future biographical musicals and their approach to storytelling and production.
What's Next?
The production team faces the task of addressing the criticisms before the planned Broadway debut. This may involve script rewrites, restructuring the musical's format, and possibly reducing its length. Dolly Parton's involvement and influence could play a crucial role in rallying the team to make necessary changes. The decision on whether to proceed with the current format or make significant alterations will likely determine the musical's future success. Industry observers will be watching closely to see if the show can overcome its initial setbacks and achieve a successful run on Broadway.
