THEATRE WITH SONGS
Music by Dolly Parton & others; Created by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre & Tricia Paoluccio; Australian adaptation: Mike McLeish, Fiona Harris
At Comedy Theatre Melbourne until 2 Nov 2025
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
Stars: *** (3)
This review is published only on this blog. I’ll present a radio review on Arts Weekly on 3MBS on Sat 19 July 2025. KH
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| Here You Come Again, Tiricia PAoluccio (centre) & cast - credit Cameron Grant. |
Here You Come Again, a play that features the songs of Dolly Parton, promises a night steeped in the iconic music of the Queen of Country. While it delivers on the musical front, the theatrical experience is a mixed bag.
The star of the show is undoubtedly Tricia Paoluccio who inhabits the character of Dolly Parton. With her uncannily Dolly-like looks and replication of Dolly’s signature vocal style right down to its Country twang, she channels the spirit and charisma of the legendary singer. Just add the glittering costumes, massive platinum wigs, wry banter, broad smile and some of Dolly’s folksy self-help lines, and you have a Dolly clone.
Each time Paoluccio takes the stage echoing Dolly's wit and warmth, the energy lifts. Dolly’s memorable tunes – Jolene, Nine to Five, I Will Always Love You, and Islands in the Stream – are delivered with vocal and musical power and precision that delight the audience, some of whom are Dolly look-alikes!
Unfortunately, the musical highlights are punctuated – or should we say interrupted? – by a surprisingly weak storyline that might be summarised as, “A 40+ gay man’s journey of self-discovery via the folksy psychology of Dolly Parton.”
The play centres around Kevin (Dash Kruck), the afore-mentioned 40-something Aussie bloke living in Bendigo in his parents’ attic and failing as a stand-up comedy. Unfortunately, Kevin is a character we struggle to connect with, or care about most of the time. He may be over 40, but his Dolly super-fandom and his juvenile relationship reactions, are those of an obsessional adolescent.
The narrative is uninspired and, frankly, often dull. It veers into territory more like a schmaltzy pop psychology quick-fix session than a compelling theatrical plot, attempting to solve emotional issues with a Dolly-esque platitudes.
The show was written during the Pandemic which explains Kevin’s incarceration in his parents’ attic: isolated, alone, depressed and wittering away to his Dolly posters. The problem is that the references to Covid and Lockdown are non-specific, particularly now, after so long. “He tested positive’ could indicate all sorts of diseases now; “When this is all over” could mean anything; and a sudden Comedy Club closure might just suggest poor management.
The on-stage band is exceptional and the three supporting actor/singer musicians are a teat in multiple roles.
However, the lack of focus leaves the production unsure of its identity; at times it is like a genuine musical trying to tell a story, and at others, a tribute concert. However, with a running time of two and a half hours, it is overly long, given the thin plot.
Ultimately, Here You Come Again is a show with a strong heart – Dolly's music and her captivating portrayal by the lead– trying to beat inside a rather flimsy body – the story. If you're a die-hard Dolly fan willing to overlook a meandering plot for the sheer delight of hearing her hits performed really well, you’ll find moments to cherish. For those anticipating a truly engaging theatrical experience beyond the music, Here You Come Again struggles to deliver.
By Kate Herbert
CAST
Dolly Parton: Tricia Paoluccio
Kevin: Dash Kruck
Multiple Roles & vocals: Kellie Rode, Bailey Dunnage, Laura Joy Bunting
CREATIVE TEAM
Creators: Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre & Tricia Paoluccio
Australian adaptation: Mike McLeish, Fiona Harris
Direcror: Gabriel Barre
Musical Director: Adnrew Warboys
Designer; Paul Willis
Costume & Make-up Designer: Jenny Langford
Lighting Designer: Jason Bovard
Choreographer: James Maxfield
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