‘Dolly in the Park’ to animate Parton’s world

Characters from the catalog of singer/songwriter Dolly Parton will come to life through dance during a free performance at Waterfront Park next Saturday, July 18. The hour-long work, titled “Dolly in the Park,” is the creation of Dobbs Ferry-based MorDance, led by Hastings resident Morgan McEwen.

McEwen choreographed “Dolly in the Park” in collaboration with singer and guitarist Kira Metcalf of Brooklyn, who will sing Parton’s lyrics and lead the band of musicians, which will include a drummer, keyboardist, and banjo player. McEwen and Metcalf have been developing the project since 2024, when they started discussing the idea of a show centered around the music of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who wrote and recorded hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5.”