Dolly Parton Broadway Musical Casting Begins Lead Cast Search

On By Littum

Good golly, where’s Dolly? Well, she’s headed to Broadway. Dolly Parton has announced the nationwide casting call Dolly: An original musicalwhich will bring her life to the stage in 2026. The search for actresses to play the country icon over the decades is now underway.

“Whether you’re chasing your dreams from a small town or you’ve spent years performing on stages across the country, I want to give you the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway and maybe even play me,” Parton said in a recent Instagram video.

Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner serve as casting directors on the project, which will be directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher with a book by Dolly Parton and Maria S. Schlatter. Parton will also direct the score for the production, featuring music from her extensive catalog. Auditions will be held in New York at a later date.

“This show is a celebration of my music, my life and all the amazing people who have been with me along the way,” Parton said. “We’re looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you’re a seasoned theater professional or an undiscovered gem with that little something special. The chosen few will have the chance to audition in person in front of our show’s casting director.”

The production requesting applicants to submit their auditions through Dolly website and encourages them to share their tapes online. “So what are you waiting for?” Parton asked. This could be your big moment to take center stage and step into the limelight. And hey, break a leg.”

Dolly: An original musical was first announced in June under the original title Hello, my name is Dolly. “Hi, I’m Dolly, and I lived my whole life to see this show on stage,” Parton said then. “I have written many original songs for the show and included all your favorites in it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll clap, you’ll stomp, it really is a Grand Ol’ Opera. Puns and fun intended. Don’t miss it!”

Speers added: “I first had the pleasure of working with Dolly Parton in 2019 when she trusted us to develop a new version of her musical 9 to 5 for London’s West End. I had always heard that she wanted to make a musical based on her life, so when she asked if I would be interested in producing it, I was overwhelmed.As the world knows, Dolly is a magical blend of talent, hard work, intelligence, charm, wit and a gigantically large heart. I am delighted that we will bring her inspiring story to Broadway.”