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ON THE SCENE YOUR CHICAGO CONNECTION TO THE WORLD OF CELEBRITY AND FASHION

At the intersection of fashion, culture and celebrity news is ionthescene.com - the online celebrity and social webzine published by Irene Michaels. With compelling original content that includes interviews, photos and video, ionthescene.com provides readers with a unique, Chicago perspective on the glamorous and exciting lives of the stars and the social glitterati.

A Chicago native and resident, Irene Michaels has 25 years of experience in film, television and theater in Chicago, New York and Hollywood. In the early 80’s she secured a recurring role in the popular daytime soap opera, General Hospital. She founded her own modeling agency before she was twenty. In addition to ionthescene.com, Michaels owns two entertainment companies and is involved with many charities across the city.

Dolly Parton - Larger Than Life

By Irene Michaels
May 5, 2009

ON BROADWAY

9 to 5 the MUSICAL

Recently, I had a chance to spend some quality time with this legendary performer. The singer, composer, actress and music publisher has come a LONG way from her dirt-poor roots.

Dolly Parton and the Girls

One of 12 kids, she lived for a time in a house without plumbing or electricity. This means, of course, no TV or radio. However, the entire family was musical and would perform for each other for entertainment. Dolly never had a problem coming up with lyrics, even at age 3!

Megan Hilty with her make up artist
Stephanie J. Block playing the role of Judy Bernly

Dolly built a beautiful home right next to the one where she grew up and calls it "Dolly's Arts and Crafts" building. Her costumes and wigs live there, all 365 of them (she says she's never actually counted them, but wears a different wig every day, so there must be 365!).

Stars from left to right. are: Stephanie J. Block Allison Janney and Megan Hilty

I sat with her during a rehearsal of her newest venture, Broadway musical "9 to 5". She's smart and beautiful and funny-completely down to earth.

Stars from left to right. are: Stephanie J. Block Allison Janney and Megan Hilty

"I might look like a misfit and artificial, but I'm for real" she told me. And believe me, all the nips, tucks and trims don't make her any less so. Dolly told that when she was a young girl, she was impressed by a woman she saw on the street. Then and there she vowed that when she grew up, "I'm going to look just like her, big blonde hair, long red nails and tight clothes."
She didn't know then that the woman she admired was the town tramp, and obviously didn't care!

Sexy Megan Hilty ( plays Dolly )

When Dolly has an idea for a song, she'll tap out the tune with her long acrylic fingernails. In fact, that's how "9 to 5" was initially composed. She was waiting on the set of a movie production and started to play "9 to 5, what a way to make a living" , and now it's the title song of her new Broadway hit. By the way, Dolly wrote virtually all of the music!

Arny Granat, Dolly Parton and Irene Michaels

She attributes her success to the philosophy "Look like a woman, but think like a man", and she does. Dolly describes herself as "a working gal, making the best out of what God gave me." This small but mighty 5'3" woman has it all together!.
Kudos to you Dolly.

I hope you enjoy the additional photos from the event below.

 Steve Trexler (Producer), Jan Melk and Michael Burg
Michael Cohl, manager of The Rolling Stones and his wife
Irene and Allison Janney ( plays Violet Newstead )
Caroline Lieberman and Anil Kapoor
Stephanie J. Block celebrating at the after party
Beverly Camhe and Roger Freidman
Irene and Marc Kudisch playing the part of Franklin Hart Jr. the lascivious boss they all loathe


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