Broadway Cast Announced
Dolly Parton Handpicks Lead Cast for Posthumous Broadway Musical Opening in New York
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Key Points
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Parton co-wrote the musical’s book with two-time Emmy Award winner Maria S. Schlatter; the production tells Parton’s story in her own words and songs.
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Eleven-year-old Norah Nunes was a finalist in the online “Search for Dolly” casting call and previously played Young Anna on the North American tour of Frozen.
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Gabriel Ebert said Parton’s legacy was tied to joy, adding, “the right road is the high road — and you can walk it in 4-inch heels.”
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Porter Wagoner helped introduce Parton to a national television audience; Parton wrote “I Will Always Love You” as she prepared to leave him and pursue a solo career.
Dolly Parton handpicked the five principal actors for her Broadway musical before her death in August, according to Country Rebel. Katie Rose Clarke will play adult Dolly, while 11-year-old Norah Nunes will portray Little Dolly and Carrie St. Louis will play young Dolly in Nashville. John Behlmann and Tony Award winner Gabriel Ebert round out the leads as Dolly's husband Carl Dean and country star Porter Wagoner.
The musical, DOLLY: A True Original Musical, premiered in Nashville and features new songs by Parton alongside classics like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," Billboard reported. Previews begin December 7 at the St. James Theatre, with opening night set for January 19, 2027.
Parton Co-Wrote Her Own Story in Song
Dolly Parton co-wrote the musical's book with two-time Emmy winner Maria S. Schlatter, telling her life story in her own words and songs, according to Antimusic. The production showcases how Parton rose from poverty in Tennessee to become a global country music icon.
Gabriel Ebert Reflects On Parton's Lasting Legacy
Gabriel Ebert, who plays Porter Wagoner, honored Parton's life philosophy in a recent statement. "The right road is the high road — and you can walk it in 4-inch heels," Ebert said, capturing Parton's spirit of joy and grace. Wagoner helped launch Parton's national career before she wrote "I Will Always Love You" while preparing to go solo.
Young Star Norah Nunes Emerges From National Casting Call
Eleven-year-old Norah Nunes was selected to play Little Dolly after being a finalist in an online "Search for Dolly" casting call, Denver Gazette reported. Nunes previously performed as Young Anna on the North American tour of Frozen, bringing Broadway experience to the role of Parton as a child.
Two Colorado Actors Lead The Broadway Production
Gabriel Ebert and John Behlmann, both from Colorado, were handpicked by Parton for the musical's principal roles, according to Denver Gazette. Behlmann will portray Dolly's husband Carl Dean in the production that celebrates the icon's extraordinary journey from rural Tennessee to international stardom.
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