The search for Dolly continues, and this one strikes a chord.
Dolly Parton is looking for a Dolly for every stage of life for her upcoming musical, Dolly: An Original Musical. As this show highlights Parton’s life story, she will need multiple actresses to play her, and she’s launched a social media search to find the best fit for each phase of life represented throughout the show.
“I’m announcing the search for Dolly. Now, whether you’re chasing your dreams from a small town or you’ve spent years performing on stages across the country, I want to give you the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway. And maybe even play me!
This show is a celebration of my music, my life, and all the amazing people who’ve been with me along the way. Now, we are looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you’re an experienced theater professional or an undiscovered gem with that little special something.
The selected few will get the chance to audition in person in front of our show’s casting director.”
Since she announced her #SearchForDolly, my social media feeds have been full of hopeful actresses, Dolly Parton fans, and impersonators giving it their all to try and make it to the in-person auditions. One English Dolly Parton impersonator has been crushing her audition videos, going viral multiple times for her uncanny similarities.
However, another audition has gone viral, even though the singer doesn’t rock Dolly’s signature blonde hair. But given that this woman’s audition tape was taken after being evacuated due to the California wildfires, she’s captured the heart of America.
Haley Spence Brown, a member of the duo The Doohickeys, shared her audition tape for the musical, but with an unconventional twist. Brown had just been evacuated from her home in Los Angeles when she recorded and shared her audition tape from a hotel room. While some audition tapes have included people dressing up to exude the most Dolly vibes possible, Brown’s audition is more stripped back, given her circumstances. However, stripped back does not mean lack luster.
Like Dolly in the video’s caption, she shares how to help other artists who have lost their homes in Los Angeles and gracefully delivers one of the most authentic Dolly impressions I have seen.
“Search For Dolly is time-sensitive, so here’s my audition. In light of the devastation in our city of Los Angeles, I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to post this.
Still, this particular song has gotten me through some rough times, and I hope it can distract you for a minute. Dolly is a helper and remains positive in the face of tragedy—check out our story for a list of local musicians who lost their homes that you can donate to.”
Originally from Missouri, Brown lays down a stellar cover of “Wildflowers,” which Dolly recorded with The Trio, composed of Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and herself. Brown noted before starting the song that this tune has helped get her through some very though times and once again is serving at purpose as the fires pushed her out of her home, potentially taking her belongings too.
Brown’s voice floats through your headphones and sounds authentically like a young Dolly. I wish the best for this #SearchForDolly contestant, or at least for Dolly Parton to see this video and help this artist in need.
@the.doohickeys #searchfordolly ♬ original sound – The Doohickeys
Check out some of the comments left on this video; they will warm your heart.
“This is the most authentic and least cartoonish one I’ve seen.”
“I want you to have this. #SearchForDolly can stop right here.”
“Soul. The others were missing this soul.”
“This one didn’t just feel like an impression. It felt like her.”
“THIS IS IT!!! Not overly gimmicky and raw talent. Plus, you do look like young Dolly.”
“This felt so comforting and authentic compared to the other search for Dolly videos I’ve seen. Fingers crossed for you, and I’m glad you and your sweet cat are safe!”
“This was so raw and authentic….. tears.”
“You should totally go to Dollywood and audition! She’s there a lot!”
“Now this. This feels like Dolly so much. Like the girlie everyone talks about is insanely talented, but this feels so rooted in honesty.”
“This is one of the first ones I’ve seen totally capture Dolly’s spirit. Well done, friend. Stay safe.”
“Okay, wait, this is SO GOOD.”
And of course, the original:
