A heartwarming holiday musical featuring songs by 11-time Grammy winner Dolly Parton will launch its 2025 U.S. tour in downtown Owensboro this weekend. “Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol” takes the stage at RiverPark Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, marking the first of 27 stops on its national run.
The production — a reimagined, Depression-era take on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol — blends bluegrass, folk, gospel, and traditional musical-theater elements. Cast and crew have been in Owensboro for more than a week preparing for the opening, and RiverPark officials say the community has made a strong impression.
General Manager Chris Patterson said RiverPark Center is proud to host the first performance of the tour.
“They’ve had a great time while they’ve been here in Owensboro,” Patterson said. “They keep commenting on how much they’ve enjoyed the facility, working with the staff here, and getting out and seeing the town. It’s an honor to host them.”
He said only a handful of tickets remain for Saturday’s show, and they will be available until showtime.
Ken Orman, who stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, said the musical keeps the familiar emotional arc of Dickens’ story but places it in East Tennessee during the 1930s.
“It’s the traditional story that Dickens had written, but it’s got this unique sort of twist on it — perspective from East Tennessee during the Depression,” Orman said. “That’s what excited me about the project. You’ve never seen anything like that.”
While Scrooge retains his well-known transformation, Orman said the setting allows the production to explore themes rooted in the hardships of Appalachian life.
“It explores the labor issues of that time — exploitation, extreme poverty, unfair rules,” he said. “It gives you this perspective of, yeah man, this was real back then. That’s what these folks had to deal with.”
Orman said Tiny Tim’s compassion remains the driving force behind Scrooge’s change of heart.
“Tiny Tim’s big, open, loving spirit — his unconditional acceptance — is what turns him into this person of altruism,” he said. “It’s powerful and very relevant to today.”
The musical features an original score by Parton, who also collaborated closely with writer David H. Bell on the script. Orman said the show draws inspiration from the musical traditions that shaped Parton’s upbringing.
“It’s a little bluegrass, a little folk, a little gospel, a little hymnal,” he said. “The music is amazing. There are a few songs where you just think, ‘Wow, where did this come from?’ She’s such an authentic person, and it comes through her somehow.”
Orman, who hasn’t performed in a musical in a decade, said joining the cast was both intimidating and rewarding.
“I was terrified at the callback,” he said. “I did everything short of falling down. But fortunately for me, they cast me as their Scrooge.”
Patterson said the production marks the beginning of a busy stretch at the RiverPark Center as staff prepare for their upcoming holiday programming.
“We’re decorating the lobby now and preparing for the launch of Peppermints next Friday night. This is a fantastic way to bring the family down and start the holiday season,” he said.
Cast members will remain in Owensboro until Tuesday before continuing the tour in Paducah.
