Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 19th October 2024
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
4*****
This Dolly Parton inspired production is not about Dolly but more about the question; ‘What Would Dolly Do? Written by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriele Barre, Tricia Paoluccio and Jonathan Harvey this concept is applied to the scenario of a depressed Dolly Parton super fan who isolating in his parents’ attic during the pandemic in 2020. You might well ask; ‘What could possibly be entertaining about that?!’ However, the show is ultimately a musical comedy.
There are only two central characters in the play; Kevin who is played by Steven Webb and of course Dolly Parton, played by Tricia Paoluccio. It was Tricia’s love of Dolly Parton and her spirit that inspired her contribution to the writing of the play. Tricia has also clearly studied Dolly Parton’s mannerisms and has a voice as strong as Dolly herself.
Our introduction to Kevin outlines his situation as a failed stand-up comic in his forties who has recently been dumped by his boyfriend. He finds himself living back at home in his childhood attic den which includes an impressive selection of Dolly Parton memorabilia. Surrounded by his childhood memories and sinking deeper into depression he asks the question ‘What Would Dolly Do?’.
In a flash of brilliant lights and pyrotechnics, the tempo of the production changes up a gear and we welcome Dolly to the stage. As Dolly appears, we are drawn into an intense friendship between Kevin and Dolly as he relays his woes to her. Dolly offers her wisdom through her songs.
The friendship between Kevin and Dolly is very convincing. Dolly swoops in to become Kevin’s cheerleader while he gains confidence in his own comedy and ability to face the world again. The music woven throughout lifts the tone and provides the perfect opportunity for audience participation.
Packed with iconic songs including Jolene, 9 to 5 and Islands in the Stream, you come away feeling like you’ve been duetting with Dolly and at the very end enjoy them all again in quick succession. If anyone can make you forget about your woes for a while, Dolly can!