Theatre Review - Here You Come Again

Here You Come Again

Director/Co-Author Gabriel Barre                      

Co-Writer and lead Tricia Paoluccio

Photo credit Cameron Grant

Theatre Royal Sydney

Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP, MAICD

Here You Come Again, currently playing at Sydney’s Theatre Royal, isn’t what I expected. Dusty is the story of Dusty Springfield, Jersey Boys is the musical biography about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Beautiful follows the life and work of Carole King and Tina The Musical features the career of Tina Turner. The outstanding leads in all of those productions play the actual characters.

In this musical, Dolly Parton is a figment of one man’s imagination, or is she?

Kevin is a young, gay aspiring comedian who moved to Melbourne to gain recognition, fortune and to make his mark on the world of entertainment. When that didn’t happen, confused and a bit resigned, he moves back with his parents in Bendigo. He’s a huge fan of Dolly Parton, and he ponders his life and career directions. 

Kevin is filled with self-doubt and he lacks self-esteem. Having split up with two partners, he’s also feeling unworthy.

Dolly materialises from one of the posters on the wall of his attic bedroom and she becomes his guardian angel, confidante and life coach.

After seventeen songs that include Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again, Nine to Five, Just Someone I Used to Know and Jolene, Kevin realises that he deserves success and happiness and is inspired to move forward.

Californian Tricia Paoluccio, who co-wrote the production, is perfect as Dolly. You'd swear that you were hearing Dolly speaking and singing and she absolutely shatters the high notes. Dash Kruck, as Kevin, is the down-market, ordinary foil for Dolly and the seven-piece band, led by Musical Director Andrew Worboys, provides the ideal accompaniment.

Even if you're not a fan of country OR western music, Here You Come Again is certainly worth seeing. It’s a feel good musical and you might even be inspired yourself.