Carrie St Louis is Dolly Parton!

Broadway star Carrie St Louis chats to CountryLine about playing Dolly Parton in the brand new musical celebrating the country icon.

Our very own Paul Ogletree sat down with Broadway actress Carrie St. Louis to talk about her starring role as Dolly Parton in the much-anticipated new musical. In a heartwarming and hilarious conversation, Carrie reveals the emotional journey, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal dedication that brought her from childhood jazz hands to center stage as the country icon herself.

From Community Theater to Center Stage

Carrie St. Louis’ love for performance began early. As she tells Paul:

“I kind of came out of the womb singing and dancing with some jazz hands.”

After an early role as Annie in a local community theater production, her path was set. “Sports didn’t quite work out,” she laughs, “I just wanted to socialize with everyone.” That high energy and charisma would eventually take her to Broadway, and now, to the Fisher Center stage in Nashville.

Divine Intervention and a Dream Role

Landing the role of Dolly Parton wasn’t a simple audition, it was serendipity.

St. Louis was contacted by Maria Slaughter, Dolly’s co-writer, who had seen her in another production. From there, it snowballed:

“She asked for some videos she could show Dolly… and I was like, there’s not a single video I’m okay with Dolly Parton seeing!”

She was eventually invited to perform in developmental workshops, including a reading in front of Dolly herself, a surreal moment for any performer.

“I immediately got into accent coaching. I didn’t want to make a fool of myself!”

Despite the uncertainty that comes with early workshops, Carrie pushed forward with yodeling lessons, guitar classes, and ongoing vocal coaching, all without knowing if the role would ultimately be hers.

“If I’m trying to be more like Dolly Parton every single day, I only win.”

Wigs, Wardrobe, and Walking into Dolly’s World

The musical spares no detail, especially in the hair department.

“It’s one of the biggest wig budgets of all time on Broadway!” Carrie shared. The wigs and costumes, overseen by acclaimed designers Rob Perkins and Jen Caprio, went through a literal fashion parade, presented directly to Dolly Parton, who was “over the moon.”

But it’s more than glitter and glam. Dolly has been personally involved every step of the way.

“She’s there every day. She’s so hands-on. You get to soak her in, and it really helps with the portrayal.”

Singing in Front of a Legend

Carrie gets to perform two of Dolly’s most personal songs: “Coat of Many Colors” and “Tennessee Mountain Home”, the latter made even more meaningful as it’s sung in Nashville, where Dolly’s journey truly began.

“Singing her songs in front of her… now I feel like I can maybe do anything.”

The show portrays Dolly’s life through three different stages, with Carrie playing ‘Nashville Dolly’, the ambitious young artist stepping into the spotlight. The structure allows audiences to explore Dolly’s full journey, from Locust Ridge to Hollywood fame.

The Heart Behind the Star

The musical dives deeper than most biopics, exploring intimate relationships and pivotal life moments. One key focus is Dolly’s marriage to Carl Dean, a relationship she has historically kept private.

“Knowing that these are real Dolly stories, it’s a privilege to portray that on stage.”

Other important figures like Porter Wagoner, Judy Ogle, and her mother are featured, showing fans a new side of Dolly many haven’t seen, even lifelong followers.

Bringing Broadway to Nashville

Currently in previews at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University, the show is a pre-Broadway tryout. Performances run Tuesday through Sunday, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Carrie praises the venue as “the most beautiful theater” she’s ever performed in. The collaboration with Belmont students, working in stage management, costumes, and more, adds to the show’s community spirit, something Dolly personally wanted for her Nashville debut.

“She wanted to give back to the community that’s given her so much.”

Final Thoughts: Becoming Dolly

As rehearsals continue and performances evolve nightly, Carrie remains in awe of the opportunity:

“She’s exactly who she is. That’s something we can all aspire to, finding out who we are and doing it on purpose.”

Her love for Dolly clearly spills off stage too, sometimes unintentionally slipping into her voice at the stage door!

“My friends are like, ‘Carrie, you’re possessed. Please stop.’”