I just saw the show tonight, and while it still needs work before Broadway, its heart is undeniable.
If audiences can embrace Evita for what it is, then Dolly is its opposite. Eva climbed through greed and manipulation, while Dolly built her story on kindness and good intentions, even if a few sodas went missing along the way.
The songs are strong, and the hits are essential. Katie Rose Clarke, who completely embodies Dolly, is seriously underutilized. Her performance is dynamic and fully transformative. Act One should end with her taking over and singing “I Will Always Love You,” offering a natural, powerful transition away from the Porter Wagner storyline.
The Judy subplot, while adding some comedy, slows the show down and could be cut.
Visually, the show is stunning, and Dolly’s single appearance is handled beautifully. Critics or audience members who are skeptical need to see the show in its context to understand how it works. A song plays, and then Dolly herself appears to sing, bringing everything together in a satisfying finale. For audiences, seeing the real Dolly is thrilling, and the show delivers on its biggest draw.