There’s no denying Queen Dolly Parton is having a moment right now! Between the new Netflix’s series Heartstrings, her Grand Ole Opry 50th anniversary show airing tonight on NBC, and the popular NPR podcast Dolly Parton’s America, there’s no escaping the 9 to 5 icon. Now, Broadway is throwing its rhinestone cowboy hat into the ring with 54 Sings Dolly Parton. Kara Lindsay, Teal Wicks, Annie Golden, Diana DeGarmo, Jessica Hendy, and more come together on January 19 to salute the indelible music career of Dolly Parton.
And that’s truly all the excuse we need in life to go on a mini “Jolene” spiral. Scroll on to watch five fierce Broadway singers put their stamp on one of Dolly Parton’s most beloved hits.
Saycon Sengbloh
What can even be said about Sayon’s “Jolene” that hasn’t already been said?! This whole post is a flimsy justification to revisit this one video—it’s that good. It is a vocal and emotional performance. It’s drama. Try to deny the power 1:58-2:30.
Barrett Weed
The Mean Girls star kicks it off with Dolly’s “Love Is Like a Butterfly” and then transitions right into “Jolene”. This sounds so good in her voice—the yearning is palpable. She should consider a whole night of country covers.
Caissie Levy
The Frozen queen completely plays with the arrangement, and gives it an entirely fresh, singular feel. She owns this from 1:30-2:11, and then those signature Caissie Levy vocals come in around 3:20—and that is just everything in its own right.
Morgan James
Morgan James’ vocal control and placement should be studied. Like Caissie, the arrangement is slowed down and the heartbreak turned up, and it works. There are moments in this video that you will snap or wave at: 1:48-2:00 or 2:12-2:47.
Michael Cerveris and Beth Malone
One time Fun Home co-stars Michael Cerveris and Beth Malone came together onstage at BroadwayCon 2017 to perform a mash-up of “Jolene” with the Cee Lo Green song “Fuck You”. It’s a fun, folksy number that serves both songs well.
Mark your calendar for ’54 Sings Dolly Parton’ on January 19.
