Here You Come Again, at Comedy Theatre and touring - 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval

I saw the feel good, comedic, part musical, part play, part concert Here You Come Again when it was first in Melbourne for a brief run in July and I enjoyed it.

I appreciated it even more second time around.

It is a lot of fun and carries a relatable message that resonates. 

Photos by Cameron Grant

The legendary, wholesome Dolly Parton with a mischievous streak is on show.

It is the conceit of the creator and star of the piece, Tricia Paoluccio, who has a magnificent, rich, rounded voice that sounds just like Dolly Parton’s.

Paoluccio’s vocalisation is superb throughout and she has great, down to earth, stage presence. She is a star.

The storyline concerns a 40-something gay man and wannabe successful stand-up comedian named Kevin Russell (Dash Kruck). He 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, 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 and caring centre, plenty of local and topical 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 honeyed vocals. What a voice!

Dash, who – along with Paoluccio – does most of the heavy lifting, is a comic delight

as the hapless Kevin, caught up in his own head.

But, make no mistake, he 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 (there is so much to take in) and the litany of sparkling rhinestone-infused costumes. Both are the fine work of Paul Wills.

The offering is buoyed by striking lighting and sound design from Jason Bovaird and Marcello Lo Ricco respectively. These undoubtedly elevate the spectacle.

Here You Come Again is a delightful and well realised flight of fancy. If you are a Dolly Parton fan, it is a must see.

It is on at Comedy Theatre until 15^th November, before it continues its Australian tour in Newcastle, Canberra and Adelaide.

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