Nashville’s latest musical sensation isn’t just another tribute show—it’s a rhinestone-studded celebration that’s got Music City buzzing. “Dolly: A True Original Musical” has transformed the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts into a glittering time capsule of country music history, with Carrie St. Louis stepping into those famous high heels and capturing hearts along the way.
The show’s been packing houses since its winter debut, and honestly? No surprise there. By mid-January 2025, ticket scalpers were having a field day, prompting organizers to extend the run through month’s end. But this isn’t your typical jukebox musical throwing together greatest hits and calling it a day.
St. Louis brings something special to the role—a kind of authenticity that can’t be faked (lord knows plenty have tried). Opening night saw her decked out in a show-stopping Dolce & Gabbana number that perfectly captured that pivotal moment when young Dolly first hit Nashville’s streets. “The second I saw this dress, I knew it was the one,” she shared, referencing the show’s costume progression from that memorable bright red ‘rib tickler’ to full-blown superstar glamour.
Every detail matters here. From the crystalline Judith Leiber butterfly clutch (a clever nod to Dolly’s longtime symbol) to the Marco Bicego jewelry catching stage lights just so. St. Louis has even mastered that signature beauty mark—now part of her pre-show ritual, along with what she lovingly calls “the iconic blue eyeshadow moment.”
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this production is the relationship between star and subject. Working alongside Parton herself—who’s both producing and co-writing the show’s book—has clearly left its mark on the former “Wicked” actress. There’s a genuine warmth when St. Louis speaks about the experience: “She is such an inspiration… I’ll never be able to properly express what an honor it is that she chose me to tell her story every night.”
The whispers around Nashville’s theater district suggest Broadway’s calling—2026 might see this homegrown hit taking Manhattan by storm. Yet somehow, that feels like getting ahead of ourselves. Right now, there’s something special happening at Belmont University’s Fisher Center that deserves its own moment in the spotlight.
In these divided times (especially heading into another election year), there’s something remarkably refreshing about Parton’s message of authenticity and kindness taking center stage. St. Louis puts it perfectly: “If we were all a little more like Dolly Parton, the world would be a better place!”
Rob Pickens deserves a special shoutout for those absolutely fabulous wigs—and they are fabulous, honey. Combined with Parton’s creative fingerprints all over the production, audiences are getting more than just a show. They’re getting a genuine peek behind the rhinestones, into the heart of a woman who proved you can reach for the stars without ever losing sight of your roots.
The extended run continues through January, and word is the box office phone hasn’t stopped ringing since opening night. Seems like Nashville’s got itself a new classic in the making.
Leave a Reply