As the last ten minutes of Here You Come Again showcased this production, as a tribute show, it could have been a fun night out as the star of the show, Tricia Paoluccio, belted out some of Dolly Parton’s famous catalogue. However, as a musical it falls flat on its face.
Set in Australia during the COVID lockdown, the story line is weak and full of corny dad jokes, as it tries to fill the script with as many relevant Parton songs as possible. Living through lockdown the first time was bad enough.
Dash Kruck as the main lead, Kevin, just isn’t outrageous enough and lacks the stage presence to draw the audience into liking or caring about his character. His opening dialogue of jokes failed to get the audience laugher it was chasing. He was the straightest gay character on the Australian stage.
However, when given his chance to sing alongside Paoluccio, in the finale, his voice was powerful and showcased his real talent.
I could see a production in which the lead role if played by backup vocalist and performer Bailey Dunnage, could have lead the audience through the flamboyant highs and depressing lows the production was aiming for. Even as a back up performer Dunnage possessed the stage presence that screamed “look at me!”
Tricia Paoluccio as Dolly Parton is dynamic and her voice powerful and commanding. Her rendition of Love is Like a Butterfly was heartfelt and sincere. Paoluccio does a great job impersonating Parton with her southern twang and movements.
The talented band lead by Andrew Worboys with Tina Harris, Luke Hubert and Ash Murdica, join in the production with a dynamic energy and become part of the show and at times take on the role of minor characters.
If you love Dolly Parton and her music and are happy to hear her songs sung by a talented performer then Here You Come Again is for you. However, if you were hoping for a musical in the vein of Mamma Mia or We Will Rock You, that has a fun story line and the audience dancing on their feet at the end, you will be disappointed. Sometimes expectations can let you down.
Here You Come Again
Regal Theatre, 474 Hay Street, Subiaco (Perth)
Performance: Saturday 23 August 2025
Season continues to 6 September 2025
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au
Following the Perth season, Here You Come Again will play the Theatre Royal Sydney (12 – 18 October), Comedy Theatre, Melbourne (23 October – 2 November), Newcastle Civic Theatre (20 – 23 November), Canberra Theatre Centre (27 – 30 November) and Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide (6 – 14 December). For more information, visit: www.hereyoucomeagain.com.au for details.
Images: Tricia Paoluccio, Dash Kruck and Cast of Here You Come Again – photo by Cameron Grant | Tricia Paoluccio as Dolly – photo by Cameron Grant