NEED TO KNOW
Dolly: A True Original Musical star Carrie St. Louis takes PEOPLE behind the scenes of her opening night in Nashville
The actress stars as one of three Dolly Partons in the show
The popular show has already been extended and is expected to make its way to Broadway next year
Dolly is back in town!
Dolly: A True Original Musical, the musical based on Dolly Parton’s life, officially opened in Nashville, Tenn., on Aug. 8 and Carrie St. Louis, one of the stars who plays Parton herself, took PEOPLE behind the scenes while she got ready for her big night.
Preview performances at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University began back on July 18, and due to overwhelming demand, the limited run has already been extended through the end of this month. The show features some of Parton’s biggest hits — including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5” — as well as new songs the singer-songwriter wrote especially for the show.
For St. Louis’ opening night, she knew she needed a gorgeous dress and wow-worthy glam to match. Ahead, get the lowdown on the actress’ look and find out more about what she loves about playing this incredible role.
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Decisions, Decisions!
Caitlin McNaney
Carrie St. Louis
St. Louis had so many dresses to choose from for her opening night, but she picked a very special look. Her styling team, which consisted of stylist Ashley Afriyie, stylist assistant Helena Wollan and styling intern Sarah Schewitz, made sure she had the perfect look for the night.
A Moment of Calm
Caitlin McNaney
Carrie St. Louis
“I was styled by the brilliant Ashley Afriyie in head-to-toe Dolce & Gabbana,” St. Louis says. “The second I saw this dress, I knew it was the one. In the show, I play Dolly during the time period when she first moves to Nashville to start her career. I arrive in Nashville in a bright red ‘rib tickler’ costume, so this a nod to that. I’m arriving in Nashville!”
The Clutch!
Caitlin McNaney
Judith Leiber clutch
St. Louis knew she needed this sparkler for her accessory. “The butterfly clutch is Judith Leiber, and the jewelry is Marco Bicego. Dolly is known for butterflies and bright colors, so this felt like a perfect fit!”
Getting Glam
Caitlin McNaney
Carrie St. Louis
St. Louis rocked her own glam, done by Beck, for opening night, but during the show, she, of course, leans into the Dolly Parton look, which she loves to do. The “iconic blue eyeshadow and beauty mark” are her favorite parts, she says.
“I always apply the beauty mark right before I head onstage, so it feels like good luck! Also, the wigs (designed by Rob Pickens) are FABULOUS (of course, it’s Dolly Parton we’re talking about),” she adds.
A Little Twirl
Caitlin McNaney
Carrie St. Louis
Perhaps the best part of the Dolce & Gabbana dress St. Louis and her team picked out? The ability to twirl and dance in it. We think Parton might agree with that.
Almost Ready
Caitlin McNaney
Carrie St. Louis
St. Louis says she was fortunate to get to work closely with Parton while preparing for this role and calls the musician “so supportive.”
“She always says, ‘You make me look good!'” the former Wicked star tells PEOPLE. “My favorite glam tip from Dolly is a line in the show: ‘I wanna go to heaven, Mama, I just don’t want to look like hell when I get there!'”
Snaps for That Hair
Caitlin McNaney
Carrie St. Louis
The actress may wear beautiful wigs by Pickens during performances each night, but she got to showcase this elegant updo by Beck for opening night. It perfectly complemented her dress and accessories.
Red Carpet Moment
Caitlin McNaney
Carrie St. Louis
The actress got her red carpet moment on opening night, showing off the whole look once it all came together. She tells PEOPLE that her favorite part about being in this role has been working with Parton, who is also a producer on the project and co-wrote the book.
“I’m a little sponge trying to soak it all in! She is such an inspiration, and I’ll never be able to properly express what an honor it is that she chose me to tell her story every night. If we were all a little more like Dolly Parton, the world would be a better place!”
If you’re in Nashville, tickets for Dolly: A True Original Musical are still available for remaining performances. The show is expected to make its way to Broadway in 2026.
Read the original article on People
