Here You Come Again, at Comedy Theatre and touring - 2 hours

The legendary, wholesome Dolly Parton with a mischievous streak is on show in the part musical, part play, part concert Here You Come Again.

It is the conceit of the creator and star of the piece, Tricia Paoluccio, who has a magnificent, rich, rounded, Dolly Partonesque voice.

Her vocalisation is superb throughout this fun-filled production.

Photos by Cameron Grant

The storyline concerns a 40-something gay man and wannabe successful stand-up comedian named Kevin Russell (Dash Kruck), who thinks his life has been an abject failure.

He is disconsolate, having just been dumped by his self-centred boyfriend, Jeremy (Bailey Dunnage).

After spending some unsuccessful time in Melbourne, he has moved back home to Bendigo with his mother (Kellie Rode) and father (Andrew Warboys).

Kevin lives in the attic, where his mum, in particular, fusses over him and feeds him delicious meals from below, via an old-fashioned pulley system.

As his posters and records will attest, he is thoroughly obsessed with Dolly Parton.

So, it is, at his darkest hour, in an endeavour to find renewed hope, he channels the effervescent Dolly, who appears in front of him.

But, truth be told, Dolly is just a figment of his fertile imagination and the road back will be paved with obstacles, as he continues to talk himself down.

Dolly has her work cut out for her.

During the two-hour show, including interval, we also learn about Kevin’s interest in an old school chum named Shaun (who we never meet).

Both worked on the musical Cabaret back in the day, but then they lost contact.

Dolly opening a 1996 Yearbook ignites Kevin’s fond memories.

Here You Come Again is a light-hearted romp with a kind heart, plenty of local references and a surfeit of humour.

Tricia teamed up with writer/director Gabriel Barre and comedy writer Bruce Vilanch to bring it to fruition. Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish also contributed to the Australian adaptation.

It happened after Tricia found herself locked down with the rest of the world during COVID.

Rather than crafting a traditional biography of Dolly Parton, she envisioned a story built around an imaginary friendship with the singer.

The result is colourful and creative.

Of course, the first ingredient, being the music, is very easy on the ear.

Many of the hits, such as the title song, Jolene, Nine to Five, I Will Always Love You and Islands in the Stream are there, along with several other tunes.

Then there is the story arc of moving from a position of being down and out to believing in yourself.

While we learn about the road that Kevin has trodden, we also get insight into Dolly’s life. That includes her successful and enduring marriage, and her inability to have children.

As already referenced, I couldn’t get enough of Tricia’s smooth and silky vocals.

Dash is a comic delight as the hapless Kevin, caught up in his own head, who can also adroitly warble a melody.

The pair is ably supported by a fabulous, energetic, all-star band, under musical director Andrew Worboys on keys.

The other members include Ash Murdica, Laura Joy Bunting and Bailey Dunnage, all on guitar, Tina Harris on bass and Luke Herbert on drums.

Strong background vocals are provided by Kellie Rode, Bailey Dunnage and Laura Joy Bunting, the latter of whom is also dance captain.

I was immediately captivated by the busy, eclectic set design and the litany of sparkling rhinestone infused costumes, the fine work of Paul Wills.

The offering is buoyed by lighting from Jason Bovaird and sound design from Marcello Lo Ricco.

Here You Come Again is a delightful and well realised flight of fancy.

My only reservation was that it too readily signalled its punches when it came to the plotting of Kevin’s fate. I would have liked a curve ball or two.

Nevertheless, that is merely a minor gripe in what was an otherwise joyful experience.

Here You Come Again is on at Comedy Theatre until 20^th July, before returning there on 23^rd October, where it will play until 2^nd November.

The Australian tour also takes in Perth, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra and Adelaide in that order.

For tickets and more information, go to https://hereyoucomeagain.com.au