OBSERVER: Here You Come Again
In a joyous celebration of the music of Dolly Parton, the musical Here You Come Again is having an encore Melbourne season.
A gay Dolly Parton fan, 40-something Kevin, is struggling with life as a relationship fails and he finds himself back living with his parents in Bendigo.
However, a fairy godmother in the form of Dolly appears and, by sharing her own rags-to-riches life story and the hurdles she faced and overcame, helps him face his demons and grab life by the horns.
The musical was co-created by two-time Emmy-winner Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre, and Tricia Paoluccio.
Thankfully it eschews the narrative arc most commonly associated with many celebrity life stories in favour of something a bit more imaginative.
Packed with some of her greatest hits, the singing helps drive the narrative while dialogue between the two leads, occasionally corny and cliched, still contains some humorous homilies on life.
Critical to the success of the show is the brilliant performance of Tricia Paoluccio in the role of Dolly.
Paoluccio has wonderful energy and flair and almost channels Parton rather than impersonates her. Her beautiful voice is near faultless in capturing the Dolly Parton sound. Dash Kruck gives a sympathetic portrayal of Kevin, capturing his loneliness and insecurity, notwithstanding a tendency to be too manic at times.
Directed by Gabriel Barre with Andrew Worboys as musical director, the show is full of glitz and glamour and has a big heart which is very Dolly.
A live band of five – Kellie Rode, Bailey Dunnage, Laura Joy Bunting. Luke Herbert and Worboys himself – share the stage, creating a quality authentic country and western sound integral to the show (as well as playing some minor characters).
To its credit, despite being a touch maudlin at times, Here You Come Again provides a thoroughly entertaining evening that can be appreciated by all, regardless of whether you are a Parton fan or not.
Venue: Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne
Dates and times: Until November 15
Duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes (with a 20 min. interval)
Bookings: Ticketek
Review by Peter Murphy
Pictured: Samuel Dundas (Figaro) in Opera Australia’s production of The Barber of Seville. Photo: Jeff Busby

