Broadway ‘Smash’ Actor John Behlmann Cast As Dolly Parton’s Husband Carl Dean In ‘Dolly’ Nashville Musical

John Behlmann, who just finished a starring role in the recently closed Broadway musical Smash, has been cast as Dolly Parton‘s late husband Carl Dean in Dolly: A True Original Musical, the Parton-produced stage production making its world premiere in Nashville Friday July 18.

Following the July 18 preview launch, Dolly opens Friday August 8 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville. The run was recently extended through Sunday, August 31. Although post-Nashville plans have not been announced, the musical is expected to transfer to Broadway at some point.

Behlmann joins previously announced cast members Katie Rose Clarke (as Dolly Parton), Carrie St. Louis as (Dolly) and Quinn Titcomb (Little Dolly), each playing the country superstar at different stages of her life. Also in the cast are John Zdorjeski as Porter Wagoner, Jacob Fishel as Sandy Gallin, Tabitha Lawing as Little Judy Ogle, Beth Malone as Judy Ogle, and Danny Wolohan as Uncle Bill.

In addition to Smash, Behlmann played con man Gordy Jackson in Shucked, with other Broadway credits including Tootsie, Significant Other and Journey’s End. He also starred in the Off Broadway production of The 39 Steps. On TV, he has appeared in Elsbeth, And Just Like That, The Gilded Age, Riverdale and Good Behavior, among other shows.

Dolly: A True Original Musical features a score by Parton that includes some of her biggest hits as well as new songs she has written especially for the musical, along with a book by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter. Bartlett Sher directs.

In addition to Parton, the musical is produced by Danny Nozell, ATG Productions, and Gavin Kalin Productions.