Dolly Parton's upcoming "Dolly: An Original Musical" has narrowed down its search for the lead role to 15 promising contenders who will participate in live auditions in New York City.

The selected finalists include performers from across North America and the UK:

• Kathryn Adeline (New York City)
• Peri Barnhill (New York City)
• Elyse Bell (New York City)
• Alberta Brown (Halifax, Canada)
• Haley Brown (Los Angeles)
• Kylee Hennes (Richfield, Wisconsin)
• Annelise Laakko (New York City)
• Tasha Lefler (Newport, Tennessee)
• Solo Lowit (Milton, Georgia)
• Kindred Moore (New York City)
• Norah Nunes (Houston, Texas)
• Kelly O'Brien (Aldbury, Tring, UK)
• Tricia Paoluccio (California)
• Cecilia Petrush (New York City)
• Madeline Powell (New York City)

The musical will debut at Nashville's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts this summer, running from July 18 to August 17, before moving to Broadway in 2026. Tickets start at $40.

Dolly Parton has written new original songs for the production while incorporating her classic hits. Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher will direct the musical, produced by Parton, Danny Nozell, ATG Productions, and Gavin Kalin Productions.

"I've lived my whole life to see this show on stage," says Parton. "You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll clap, you'll stomp. It truly is a Grand Ol' Opera — pun and fun intended."

Additional casting and creative team announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

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