Dolly Parton's new Broadway-bound musical has narrowed down its search for the lead role to 15 promising candidates from thousands of applicants. The selected performers will attend in-person auditions in New York City for "Dolly: An Original Musical."

The finalists include:

• Kathryn Adeline, Peri Barnhill, Elyse Bell (New York City)
• Alberta Brown (Halifax, Canada)
• Haley Brown (Los Angeles)
• Kylee Hennes (Richfield, Wisconsin)
• Annelise Laakko, Kindred Moore (New York City)
• Tasha Lefler (Newport, Tennessee)
• Solo Lowit (Milton, Georgia)
• Norah Nunes (Houston, Texas)
• Kelly O'Brien (Aldbury, Tring, UK)
• Tricia Paoluccio (California)
• Cecilia Petrush, Madeline Powell (New York City)

The musical will debut at Nashville's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts this summer, running from July 18 to August 17, before moving to Broadway in 2026. Tickets start at $40.

"I've written many original songs for the show and included all your favorites in it as well," says Dolly Parton. "You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll clap, you'll stomp. It truly is a Grand Ol' Opera — pun and fun intended."

Tony-winner Bartlett Sher will direct the production, which features both Parton's classic hits and new original songs. The musical is produced by Parton, Danny Nozell, ATG Productions, and Gavin Kalin Productions, with Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner as casting directors.

Additional creative team members and casting details will be announced in the coming weeks.

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