The Pink Carpet Unfurled: Dollymania Descends Upon Melbourne!
Melbourne, brace thine bejewelled loins! The Comedy Theatre has transmogrified into a rhinestone-studded cathedral, for this eve marks the Australian premiere of the musical comedy phenomenon “Here You Come Again”. Dolly Parton’s most glittering hits have come to audacious life, and were one to peer through the sweeping archways tonight, one would spy an army of sequins, bouffants, and enough pink finery to make the Barbican blush.
The Glam, The Glitter, Lord Murray Schoorman and hundreds of Dolly Parton Fans In Australia … scarcely had the sun set over St Kilda, when peals of uncontainable delight rippled down Exhibition Street. The pink carpet—a veritable runway of fabulousness—was stalked by none other than Lord Murray Schoorman, celebrity photographer turned paparaz-teur saint of the social set, his camera flashing like lightning upon a sea of Dolly doppelgängers and Melbourne’s own wattage elite.
Dazzling attendees bedecked in blonde wigs as monumental as the State Library dome. Fashionistas vying for supremacy in the legendary “Show Us Your Best Dolly” competition, hosted by the inimitable Aubrey Haive of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under fame.
Spirited Kevin impersonators strutting their double-denim with chutzpah and pride. A palpable sense of anticipation hung in the theatre’s gilt-and-velvet air. Why, you ask? International acclaim precedes ‘Here You Come Again’, with its legacy of sold-out seasons across the US and UK.
This antipodean debut features Tricia Paoluccio, Broadway powerhouse and co-creator, summoning Dolly’s very essence: every zinger, every honeyed witticism, every heartstring-pulling note. Sharing the stage is Dash Kruck, that chameleonic treasure (of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ fame) and a homegrown ensemble with a live band destined to blow the gumleaves off the eucalypts!
This is not just a jukebox romp. Nay, dear reader! ‘Here You Come Again’ is the saga of Kevin, a hapless devotee beset by life’s tribulations, who is visited—and transformed—by his own personal Dolly. She delivers wisdom, wit and warmth, extolling life lessons through her iconic anthems: “Jolene”, “9 to 5”, “Islands in the Stream”, and “I Will Always Love You”, to name but a glorious few.
Those fortunate to have coveted Opening Night tickets were beckoned to parade themselves in Dolly-inspired or Kevinesque regalia. With Aubrey Haive as master of ceremonies, the top 20 dazzling looks will be immortalised, their wearers walking away with fabulous prizes: October Opening Night tickets, Comedy Theatre bar vouchers, and signed cast memorabilia.
All with the real Dolly’s own ‘rhinestone-stamp of approval’, no less.
From the comedic sorcery of Bruce Vilanch to the directorial panache of Gabriel Barre, and with the inestimable British wit of Jonathan Harvey and Aussie flair from adaptors Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish, this production celebrates the best of Broadway, London, and Down Under. With live musical direction by Andrew Worboys and lighting design by Jason Bovaird, the stage positively radiates joie de vivre.
Don’t Miss Out, Darlings!
‘Here You Come Again’ reigns at the Comedy Theatre from 16 July 2025, before sashaying north to Theatre Royal Sydney from 12th September. Secure thy tickets; don thy wig, sparkle, or double denim; and prepare to be swept up in a tide of joyous Dollymania that shall echo in your heart long after the curtain falls.
Y’all, Melbourne’s never looked so fabulous.
There was no media call for this so unfortunately, we don’t have any production images to share with our readers but word on the street tonight is that the show will be fun!
