“Are you a Dolly fan?” The man beside us asks before the show starts, but I’m not sure how to respond. Admittedly, I only know her three big songs (I’ll let you guess which), but never have classified myself as a fan. However, after this evening, I think I may have changed my tune.
‘Here You Come Again’ is an uplifting story about love, music, joy, and hope, set in a time many of us would like to forget. Yes, the ‘unprecedented times’ of early COVID lockdowns. Dash Kruck plays Kevin, an aspiring (and struggling) comedian, forced to social distance in his parents’ attic. Without work, a partner, or any hope for the future, he turns to his record collection and asks, “What Would Dolly Do?” As if by magic, Dolly herself, played by the show’s co-creator Tricia Paoluccio, manifests from a life-sized poster, breaking out into the titular number Here You Come Again, and guiding him along a journey of self-love and realisation.
Kruck’s portrayal of Kevin’s self-worth issues was extremely resonant, particularly as a creative. The struggle of not feeling worthwhile as a person seeping into your creative output is something I, and many others, could understand. Kruck brought a vulnerability and earnestness to the role that was deeply sympathetic, while also playing off Paoluccio’s comedic energy and shining in his musical performances.
Paoluccio’s performance was more than an impression of Dolly – it was an embodiment. Her vocals stunned, not only in quality and style, but also in likeness. Her cheeky comedic timing and infectious positivity was well-received, as she played into the less-serious components of the Parton persona (“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap!”).
Despite the story not being centred on Dolly, Paoluccio sprinkled the occasional tidbit throughout her chats with Kevin, such as her losing a Dolly Parton look-a-like contest. The mention of her marriage to Carl Dean was touched with a layer of sadness, given his recent passing in March 2025, yet the 60-year-long relationship was honoured with grace and love.
The ensemble was fantastic, not only contributing as minor characters throughout, but also singing, dancing, and playing alongside the live band. Kellie Rode was lovely as Kevin’s germophobic but well-meaning mother and was a great contrast to the gruff (but also well-meaning) Andrew Worboys as Kevin’s dad, who additionally led the band as the musical director and keys player. Rode was joined by fellow WAAPA graduate Bailey Dunnage, who played Kevin’s ex-boyfriend Jeremy. Dunnage also demonstrated some Magic-Mike level dancing (choreographed by James Maxfield) during the number Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That, in which we are also treated to a performance from Kevin’s drag persona, Polly Darton. Rounding off the ensemble was Laura Joy Bunting, who played the abrupt and bitter Tish, Kevin’s boss, as well as accompanying the band with acoustic guitar and lovely backing vocals.
Despite the singular location, the detail of the set kept you interested, with posters, stickers, toys and junk spread across the stage, making for an authentically lived-in environment. The Australian Adaption team (Fiona Harris & Mike McLeish) did a wonderful job in collaboration with designer Paul Willis in adding Australian iconography throughout, such as Humphrey B. Bear, a Milo tin vase, and kookaburra song over the eucalyptus backdrop. The lighting, by Jason Bovaird, was also fantastic, particularly during musical numbers and special effects moments.
The only detractor from the evening was during the finale, in which an overly enthusiastic audience member hopped on stage for an impromptu dance. While certainly indicative of the energy and vivacity in the room, it was a moment that should’ve been for the musicians to receive their flowers, and was disrespectful to the band, stage crew, and theatre staff. Congratulations to Tina Harris, Luke Herbert and Ash Murdica for handling the situation with such professionalism, while making the rest of us dance in our seats.
Whether you’re a huge Dolly fan, barely know her, or are somewhere in between, ‘Here You Come Again’ is an inspiringly joyous show that is sure to leave you smiling, and your toes tapping. I, for one, am certainly inspired to spend more time with Dolly myself.
Recommended: Dress in true Dolly fashion – however you like! (Though rhinestones, cowboy hats, and denim are strongly encouraged!).
To book tickets to Here You Come Again, please visit https://hereyoucomeagain.com.au/.
Photographer: Cameron Grant
