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English Dolly Parton Impersonator Goes Viral For Her Uncanny ‘Dolly: An Original Musical’ Audition
I had to do a double-take.
The search is on for the perfect Dolly Parton to play the legendary country music artist in her upcoming Broadway musical Dolly: An Original Musical. Last week, the Tennessee native made a social media announcement that the search for Dolly was officially on, and she welcomed anyone who thinks they might be a good fit for the role to submit an audition video.
"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."
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDNCk8vRVcq/
Since the announcement, many fans of Dolly Parton have submitted their auditions, but Parton also encouraged folks to post their auditions online using #SearchForDolly in the caption. These videos have taken off since the search announcement, and some great talent has been highlighted thus far.
My TikTok For You Page has been filled with incredible covers of Dolly Parton songs as the search is underway, but one user is gaining a lot of social media attention for her uncanny impersonation.
Kelly O'Brien, who is from Hertfordshire, England, is a Dolly Parton impersonator. But don't let the fact that she's from across the pond fool you into thinking she can't lay down the thick East Tennessee twang that Parton has. After introducing herself in the video, she begins speaking in her Dolly accent, and it's SPOT ON.
Given that she's also standing in front of the camera in her full Dolly Parton get-u,p if she had not introduced herself initially, I would have had to do a double take; it's that accurate.
O'Brien then goes into singing a stellar rendition of "Blue Smoke" and even clacks her acrylic nails together like Parton does when she's workshopping a song.
@thedollyshowtribute As promised here is my second song! #BlueSmoke Just 15 more songs to record before I submit my favourite to #Dolly and her team for @dollymusical #searchfordolly is just an wonderful opportunity for me to perform some of Dolly’s best songs! She is so amazing! ? #dollyparton #dollypartontribute #dollypartonimpersonator ♬ original sound - Kelly O’Brien
This, however, was the second audition video that O'Brien submitted. Her first video highlights her in another Dolly Parton look-a-like outfit, singing "Here You Come Again." Once again, I am mind-blown by this woman's talent and ability to transform into Dolly Parton fully. Kelly O'Brien has everything from the look to the accent to the vocals.
To the casting director of Dolly's musical: If this woman does not receive an in-person audition, we are rioting. This IS Dolly!
@thedollyshowtribute Here is my first song for #Searchfordolly The fabulous #Hereyoucomeagain ? Just 16 more songs to record until I choose a winner to send to @Dolly Parton and her team @dollymusical Each song I sing will come with a different #Dolly outfit! What’s your favourite? What shall I sing next?? #searchfordolly #dollyparton #dollypartonimpersonator #TheDollyShow ♬ original sound - Kelly O’Brien
Check out some of the comments left on her two audition videos.
"You're telling me this isn't Dolly Parton?"
"The English accent straight to Dolly’s precious southern drawl…..you’re a wizard!!!"
"Your speaking voice is absolutely spot on."
"This is scary how good this is!!!"
"If you aren’t at the top of their list, then we all need to riot."
"Dolly would be impressed."
"It’s funny how she goes from British to USA southern in a second. Her Dolly is dead on."
"You have her voice on point, but most importantly, you have her light laugh on point!! Love it."
"HOLY SMOKES."
"OMG!! The nails used as an instrument!! So Dolly!!"
She also brought out the iconic Dolly Parton Dallas Cowboys cheerleader outfit:
@thedollyshowtribute This weekend I decided to recreate the @Dolly Parton Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader look! It was super fun, and even the doggy loved it. ??? #dollyparton #TheDollyShow #dollypartontribute ♬ 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton