Kevin is on the wrong side of 40 when he finds himself living with his parents during the covid pandemic, in an attic room with pictures. Dolly Parton across the popes Shocked by his low-key breakup with his friend, Kevin asks himself, “What’s Dolly to do?”
That question poses the question of this wonderful musical comedy as Dolly bursts out of the poster and into Kevin’s living room singing her way through the greatest hits while admonishing Kevin to get his life back on track, in a sunny Tennessee tune.
Is she a beautiful woman? A ghost of pandemics past? It confirms that it’s just a figment of her imagination, and reinforces the central point that Parton is a gay icon.
There’s plenty of bling here, but sadly everything from the rhinestones on Dolly’s clothes oozes out. A small spark in the production itself, than the author real-life Dolly. Directed by Gabriel Barre, it could have picked up traction if the writing was stronger, but the plot segues into Parton’s best-known songs in forced ways. All the oldies but good hits are there, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Steam, I’ll Always Love You, and on.
But it’s starting to sound like a tribute act, with little substance around the numbers. Tricia Paoluccio, like Parton, looks the part in a petticoat and cowhide sequins. Her voice has an uncanny resemblance too and it complements Parton’s laugh, but the drama isn’t enough.
Steven Webb plays Kevin as a nervy figure who, as an aspiring comedian, makes half-baked gags and drags him out of the bathroom at one point to sing a duet with Parton.
Written by Bruce Vilanch, Barre and Paoluccio with the addition of material by . Jonathan Harveythe whole story is undercooked, and the jokes are badly contrived. The plot, in addition to Dolly’s magical appearance, involves Kevin’s broken relationship and his milestones being delivered blandly in phone and text messages.
The musicians bring out instruments to play and sometimes double as Kevin’s mother or father, but say their lines without acting. It feels like a pub gig in spirit. The stage looks thin and lame. What is the passion?