A new jukebox musical inspired by Dolly Parton, titled Here You Come Again, has just premiered in Melbourne to mixed—and often disappointed—reactions. The production, built around Dolly’s biggest hits and a loosely sketched storyline, was expected to dazzle audiences with energy, warmth, and heart. Instead, critics are calling it “a missed opportunity wrapped in rhinestones.”
The plot centers on a struggling comedian during the pandemic lockdown who seeks comfort from a Dolly Parton poster that magically comes to life. While the concept sounds quirky and full of charm, reviewers say the emotional weight never lands, and the Dolly character feels more like a cardboard cutout than the real icon.
Caroline O’Connor, who plays Dolly, is praised for her voice and sparkle, but critics argue that no amount of impersonation can mask the thinness of the story. Some say the show feels like “watching a tribute act trying to be a musical,” filled with surface-level sentiment but lacking genuine emotional depth.
Fans hoping for insights into Dolly’s life or a meaningful narrative tied to her journey will likely leave unsatisfied. Still, for casual fans, the nostalgic joy of hearing hits like “9 to 5” or “Jolene” performed live may be enough to forgive the lack of soul.