“Dolly: A True Original Musical” Star Carrie St. Louis’ Opening Night Look Is the Perfect Nod to Dolly Parton (Exclusive)

Carrie St. Louis Shines in ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’ Opening Night Glamour

Carrie St. Louis, the star of ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’, gave an exclusive sneak peek behind the scenes of her spectacular opening night in Nashville. The talented actress portrays one of the three Dolly Partons in the musical, which has garnered immense popularity and has even extended its run due to overwhelming demand. With a promising future heading to Broadway next year, the musical brings to life Dolly Parton’s iconic journey through her biggest hits like “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” and “9 to 5”, along with newly penned songs by the music legend herself.

St. Louis, in preparation for her opening night, faced the exciting task of selecting the perfect dress and glam to capture the essence of Dolly Parton. Styled by the amazing Ashley Afriyie and her skilled team, St. Louis ultimately chose a stunning Dolce & Gabbana dress that paid homage to Dolly’s early career days in Nashville. The vibrant red dress, reminiscent of a ‘rib tickler’ costume, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the iconic singer’s beginnings in the music industry.

Accessories played a crucial role in St. Louis’ ensemble, with a Judith Leiber butterfly clutch and Marco Bicego jewelry adding the perfect touches to her look. Drawing inspiration from Dolly Parton’s love for butterflies and bright colours, St. Louis ensured that every detail reflected the essence of the musical legend she embodied on stage.

As the actress delved into her glam routine for the night, she embraced the classic Dolly Parton look with iconic blue eyeshadow and a beauty mark, which she applied just before stepping onto the stage for good luck. The exquisite wigs, designed by Rob Pickens, added the final touch to transforming St. Louis into the remarkable Dolly Parton, a process that she greatly enjoyed and embraced with enthusiasm each night.

St. Louis shared her admiration for Dolly Parton, highlighting the musician’s unwavering support throughout her preparation for the role. Describing Parton as “so supportive”, St. Louis expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work closely with the music icon, who she considers a true inspiration. Embracing Dolly’s wisdom to “not look like hell” even when aspiring for heaven, St. Louis embodied the performer’s spirit and grace on and off the stage.

The actress radiated elegance on the red carpet, showcasing her complete look with grace and poise. Her favourite aspect of portraying Dolly Parton was the privilege of collaborating with the legendary singer and producer of the musical. St. Louis expressed her profound respect for Dolly Parton, acknowledging the immense honour of narrating her story each night and the invaluable lessons she learned through this experience.

As ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’ continues to captivate audiences in Nashville, the show is set to make its grand debut on Broadway in 2026. The musical’s success is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dolly Parton and the exceptional talents of performers like Carrie St. Louis, who bring her remarkable story to life on stage.

In conclusion, Carrie St. Louis’ opening night glamour for ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’ was a dazzling tribute to the iconic Dolly Parton. Her meticulous attention to detail, coupled with her genuine admiration for the music legend, created a mesmerising portrayal that resonated with audiences and paved the way for the show’s future success on Broadway.