Dolly Parton Inspires New Play

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Dolly Parton photo courtesy of Dolly Records.


August 24, 2007 — The upcoming musical "9 to 5" isn't the only theatrical venture with ties to country singer Dolly Parton, Playbill reports. She is now the subject of the new comedy Journey to Dollywood, scheduled to make its Los Angeles debut September 13.

Written by Jessie McCormack, "Journey to Dollywood" centers on Jolene, a waitress who idolizes Dolly Parton, her rival co-worker, and their eccentric boss, who are all changed forever when a stranger's car breaks down in their sleepy Southern town.

McCormack submitted a copy of the play to Dolly herself, who enjoyed the script so much she lent her talents for a voice-over in the play. McCormack visited Dolly in her Nashville recording studio to meet the inspiration for her production.

"It's a play about courage," explains playwright McCormack, who also plays Jolene in the comedy at the Matrix Theatre. "Dolly Parton is a symbol of hope. She's the 'American Dream' personified, a person who struggled against all odds to get where she is today. In the play, Jolene's desire to travel to Dollywood is a metaphor for taking a leap of faith and going for what you want in life."

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