What a way to make a livin’

Becoming Dolly
The Mack
July 5–August 24

After three summers of sold out shows at St. Peter’s Courthouse theater, Jessica Gallant brings her show, Becoming Dolly to this summer’s Charlottetown Festival.

Dolly Parton’s greatest hits anchor this cabaret show, and Gallant’s own story in show business is recounted parallel to Dolly’s biography. Both are country girls, both are, “diamonds in a rhinestone world,” who had the courage and astonishing talent to embark on the path of professional artist. While Dolly Parton has lived a lifetime on stage, reached icon status and changed the soundscape of music history, Jessica Gallant’s ambition and intuitively mesmerizing stage presence leave the impression that her career will also result in important legacy of accomplishments, despite her humble origins in little Epekwitk (PEI).

The show is widely appealing, and through Gallant’s autobiographical story, it offers visitors and locals an insider perspective on the experiences of a performer in the renowned Charlottetown Festival.

Jessica Gallant grew up in Ten Mile House, with dreams of playing Anne Shirley. Her talent for musical theater was nurtured as a member of the Charlottetown Festival’s Young Company. Before she could complete university, she became the second island-born performer ever cast as the lead in Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™. Jessica’s success continued and she was subsequently cast in major productions across the country. During the pandemic, when performance work dried up, she became a new mom and wrote Becoming Dolly, which is directed by her husband, Luc Trottier.

Audiences are greeted with a set designed by Shawn Kerwin, which depicts Dolly’s dressing room in which Gallant seamlessly morphs between herself and Dolly, recounting the milestones of their career progression, from unlikely country girls to the pinnacles of performance success on the biggest stages in show business. Fantastic costumes by Karyn MacPhee and wigs designed by Honey Landry are also key visual elements in the delightful spectator experience.

The band is led by musical director Noah Malcolm and includes Mike Gallant on drums, Hannah O’Donnell on Bass and Jordan Taylor on guitar. Dolly’s hits and their anecdotal origins propel audiences through the night full of Appalachian intellect, love, loss, and above all—authenticity. 

The success of Becoming Dolly rests largely on Gallant’s unique prowess as a comedic performer and vocalist. Gallant embodies Dolly’s sense of humor and empowered feminine wisdom to keep audiences laughing and feeling inspired with the proof that dreams really do come true. Like Dolly, Jessica Gallant is unique as a brilliant performer, writer and business woman, and she is magnetic to watch.