At the Fisher Center Dolly and Bartlett were interviewed by Marcus K. Dowling from The Tennessean and later answered questions from the audience. During their discussions it was revealed that Dolly had been working on her life story for years and she wanted to oversee it while she is still alive after all Parton's incredible career started back in the 1960's. Sher talked about the meticulous process of putting it all together and we learned that it is common for Broadway productions to open in other cities first.

Sher emphasized how important casting is and that process was still going on so as of this writing the person who will play Dolly has not been chosen. We do know that there will be three Dollys (little, middle and older). The stars of this show might be famous but if an up-and-coming artist shines the brightest they will win a role. Parton wanted the nationwide auditions to be open to all and she was excited about the fashion element of the show, too.

Marcus K. Dowling, Dolly Parton and Bartlett Sher share some exciting news at Belmont University.

Dolly was asked if anything surprised her and she stated how impressed she was with all the hard work and how involved the production team has been. Another interesting inquiry was their favorite songs in the show. Parton replied that the theme song which was written for the play was hers. Bartlett cited "God, Sex and Music" because it comes in at an important part of the musical. Dolly shared that the new material will be a blend of Broadway and country.

As exciting as the news of Dolly: An Original Musical was, there was another major announcement:

Parton, Dolly: An Original Musical, CTK Enterprises and Belmont University publicized the launch of Dolly U. Their first project is the Broadway show in which hundreds of students have been involved with and will be through the summer launch. Other related classes are being offered covering brand partnerships, marketing and merchandising. These opportunities give Belmont scholars hands on experience in the field while receiving course credits plus an impressive item to have on a resume.

Tickets for Dolly: An Original Musical with prices starting at just $40, are on sale now at www.dollymusical.com or by calling the Fisher Center Box Office at 615-460-2255. The Fisher Center is an elegant event space that includes ballrooms, flexible rehearsal spaces and a gorgeous grand foyer. Since its opening in 2021, it has hosted a wide range of shows including classical, CCM, national broadcasts, pop/rock and soon a world premiere of an upcoming Broadway production.

Dolly: An Original Musical launches at The Fisher Center in July.

Related Links: For more information on DOLLY: AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Dolly: An Original Musical | The Fisher Center