Musical Theatre / Here You Come Again, Kay & McClean Productions. At Canberra Theatre until November 30. Reviewed by BILL STEPHENS.

A diehard fan of Dolly Parton, failed entertainer Kevin Russell, following the break-up of his long-term romantic relationship, finds himself back home in Bendigo, living in the attic of his parent’s home, without prospects and pondering his future.

That is until his idol, Dolly Parton, miraculously materialises, and by drawing on her repertoire of hit songs, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You and Here You Come Again, provides our Kev with the keys to navigating his chaotic life. 

It’s a flimsy premise but creators Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio, have fashioned it into a charming, feel-good musical, as a showcase for the remarkable ability of Tricia Paoluccio to channel the voice and personality of much-loved American entertainer Dolly Parton. 

This talent is perfectly captured in this entertaining musical directed by Gabriel Barre that, following successful tours through the UK and US, has now been adapted and “Australianised” by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish for an impressive production in which Tricia Paoluccio repeats her starring turn as Dolly Parton, supported by a multi-talented, all-Australian ensemble led by Dash Kruck as a peripatetic Kevin Russell. 

Kellie Rode delights as Kev’s down-to-earth mum, who together with Bailey Dunnage as his errant boyfriend Jeremy, and Laura Joy Bunting as Tish, all double as background vocalists and musicians along with the four outstanding musicians who make up the white-hot band.

Whenever Andrew Worboys is listed as musical director, you know you are in for a treat. Here You Come Again exemplifies that reputation. Besides delighting as Kev’s taciturn dad, Worboys has surrounded himself with an outstanding band consisting Ash Murdica on guitar, Tina Harris on bass and Luke Herbert on drums. 

The whole cast participate in James Maxfield’s cleverly staged production numbers, for which designer Paul Wills has provided suitably glitzy costumes and a setting crammed with surprises. 

But it is the songs associated with superstar Dolly Parton that are the focus of this production, which does them proud. Tricia Paoluccio imbues them with a warmth and showbiz pizzazz so captivating that it’s easy to believe that Dolly Parton is in the room.

It’s an achievement that makes Here You Come Again a must-see for Dolly Parton fans, as well as those seeking an evening of memorable musical theatre.