Inspired by the music of Dolly Parton, Here You Come Again is a new musical that celebrates the country musician in the most unique way. The story centres on a forty-year-old man, Kevin (Dash Kruck), who is caught in a mid-life crisis during the pandemic. For this iteration of Here You Come Again, he is residing in Bendigo (if you see the musical in the UK he’ll be in Yorkshire, and if you’re watching in the States, it’s Texas) and mulls over his life in the attic of his parents’ home. And as he wonders what he did in all those years and where his life could possibly be heading, he gazes at the posters that adorn his walls of none other than Dolly Parton (Tricia Paoluccio) and suddenly manifests her to appear (with a live band, in tow).
What is even more interesting is how this musical even came about, and why the reason to go against the traditional path of a straight biography. The star of the show, Tricia Paoluccio, co-wrote the musical with Bruce Vilanch during the dark lockdown times, but wants to stress that this is not a ‘covid musical’. Paoluccio reveals, “I always had the idea of a two-person show between an uber-fan and their fantasy relationship with Dolly Parton”. And so, audiences are given amazing performances of ‘Here You Come Again’, ‘Joelene’, ‘Nine to Five’, ‘Islands in the Stream’, ‘I Will Always Love You’ and many more. And there is a little biographical narration in the form of Dolly-isms, but it is guided by the man who manifests her.
Tricia Paoluccio as Dolly Parton is absolutely uncanny in singing vocals and voice. Her mannerisms, laughter, and powerhouse vocals are just identical to the iconic country music star. And, as a side note, Paoluccio is also a visual artist (when not starring in her own musical creation). Her pressed flower art went as far as becoming Taylor Swift’s grammy-winning Oscar de la Renta dress. Is there anything that this woman cannot do? Alongside her on stage is Dash Kruck who plays Kevin. He embodies this down-and-out character that comes quite naturally. Kruck takes audiences back to what was a pretty dark time for all of us, in a very gentle and warm way. Also a multi-talent, Kruck has his own set of pipes, and provides some magnificent harmonies with Paoluccio and the band.
And last but not least, that amazing band that features front and centre on stage is hand-picked perfection. They looked like they were having a blast on stage together and had a genuine love for the music. They are Andrew Worboys (Music Director), Tina Harris, Luke Herbert, Ash Murdica, Kellie Rode, Bailey Dunnage, and Laura Joy Bunting. Whether you are a Dolly Parton super-fan or not, this musical brings more to the table than you would think. With beautiful performances and a story that hits home for all of us, Here You Come Again delivers a great Aussie spin to a love for the country music legend.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Here You Come Again is playing at Theatre Royal Sydney, until 18 October 2025.
Tickets available here: Theatre Royal Sydney – Here You Come Again
Reviewer attended the opening night on 13 September 2025. Photos provided by the venue.
