Dolly Magic Hits Sydney: Here You Come Again Shines on Opening Night

A Pink Carpet Opening Night to Remember

Sydney was painted pink last Saturday as Here You Come Again, the new Dolly Parton musical, opened at the Theatre Royal. The red carpet was swapped for a dazzling pink carpet, and fans, celebrities, and Dolly devotees arrived in style. The foyer buzzed with excitement as the audience showed off their Dolly-inspired fashions—blonde wigs, cowgirl hats, rhinestones, denim, sparkles, and plenty of pink. The atmosphere was electric, and anticipation filled the air for a night celebrating the one and only Dolly Parton.

 
A Story Beyond the Music

Rather than being a straightforward Dolly Parton biography, Here You Come Again tells a new and heartfelt story. Set in the Covid era, Kevin Russell, played brilliantly by Dash Kruck, retreats to his parents’ attic in Bendigo. A passionate Dolly fan, Kevin finds comfort when Dolly herself magically comes to life in his imagination. With charm, wit, and wisdom delivered through her iconic songs, Dolly helps Kevin navigate his struggles with hope and humour.

The attic set created the perfect backdrop for this quirky, emotional, and funny story.

Tricia Paoluccio Becomes Dolly

At the heart of the show is Tricia Paoluccio, a lifelong Dolly Parton fan who not only looks and sounds like Dolly, but channels her heart, humour, and sparkle. Her passion for Dolly inspired her to create the show, teaming up with writer and director Gabriel Barre. After successful seasons in America and 
England, the production has now reached Australian shores—complete with local references and Aussie idioms that had Sydney audiences laughing all night.

Tricia Paoluccio Embodies Dolly with Heart, Humour and Star Power

Tricia Paoluccio brings both depth and dazzle to her portrayal of Dolly Parton in Here You Come Again. Raised singing Dolly’s songs from a very young age—she’s said she first heard Here You Come Again on the radio at about five years old—Paoluccio has long been developing her gift for Dolly’s specific vocal style: the vibrato, the ‘crack’ and ‘scratch’ in her voice, and the emotionality behind even the lightest song. Professionally, she has a strong theatre pedigree: Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include A View from the Bridge, Fiddler on the Roof, Lady From Dubuque and others, as well as TV appearances. In this musical she does more than mimic; she embodies Dolly—imitating her Tennessee accent, mastering her speaking voice with the help of dialect coaching, delivering comic timing and warmth, and letting the listener believe that Dolly has walked off her poster into Kevin’s attic. Her renditions of iconic songs are powerful and emotionally resonant—she moves effortlessly from sparkle and sass in Nine to Five or Jolene, to genuine, heartfelt sincerity in I Will Always Love You and Love Is Like A Butterfly. Paoluccio’s portrayal of Dolly is warm, witty, and inspiring—an unforgettable performance that anchors the show with equal measures of laughter and heart, captivating the audience through her seamless blend of comedy and sincerity.

Dash Kruck Shines as the Heartfelt and Hilarious Kevin Russell

Dash Kruck is a seasoned Australian actor, vocalist, director, cabaret artist and theatre-maker whose credits stretch across musical theatre, classical plays, and cabaret. He’s played roles from Moritz in Spring Awakening, Hunter in Title of Show, Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, to leading parts in Amadeus and Romeo & Juliet.

In Here You Come Again, Dash brings to life Kevin Russell—a 40-something Dolly Parton super-fan who finds himself flattened by lockdown, heartbreak, and self-doubt. His performance is both humorous and tender: he captures Kevin’s despair and frustration with such honesty that the audience empathises deeply with him, but he also delivers the comedy with timing and warmth that keeps the tone light even in Kevin’s darkest moments. His musical moments ring true too—he handles the songs with sincerity, letting Kevin’s reverence for Dolly Parton shine through without feeling like imitation alone. Altogether, Dash Kruck’s Kevin is believable, relatable, and carries much of the show’s emotional heart.

Dolly’s Greatest Hits Live on Stage

The musical features 16 of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits, from Jolene and Nine to Five to Islands in the Stream, Love is Like a Butterfly, and the show-stopping I Will Always Love You. Each song had the audience clapping along, with rousing applause after every performance.

The live band added energy and vibrancy to the night. Musical Director Andrew Worboys played both the keyboard and the role of Kevin’s dad. He was joined by Tinan Harris (bass), Luke Herbert (drums), Ash Murdica (guitar), and three powerhouse vocalists—Kellie Rode, Bailey Dunnage, and Laura Joy Bunting—who brought Dolly’s harmonies to life.

More Than a Musical: A Comedy with Heart

What set Here You Come Again apart was its blend of comedy and musical theatre. Packed with one-liners, witty banter, and playful storytelling, the show kept the audience laughing as much as singing along. The lighting design highlighted both intimate attic moments and the larger concert-style numbers, creating a warm yet spectacular atmosphere.

A Must-See Night Out

On opening night, the audience’s laughter, cheers, and standing ovation said it all: Here You Come Again is an absolute hit. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the performance, and I believe Here You Come Again is the perfect night out for a group of friends. It’s uplifting, funny, and full of Dolly’s timeless music that everyone loves.

After enchanting audiences in Melbourne, the musical is now playing at Sydney’s Theatre Royal before touring to Perth, Canberra, Newcastle, and Adelaide.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this dazzling celebration of Dolly Parton, music, and friendship.

Web: https://hereyoucomeagain.com.au/

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