CHESTER — Dolly Parton makes everything better, even a global pandemic. That’s the central conceit of Here You Come Again: How Dolly Saved My Life in 12 Easy Songs, now playing at Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theater.

This is the return production to Goodspeed’s developmental theater space since closing down in 2019, shortly before many theaters postponed their seasons due to COVID. It could not be a more appropriate show to reopen with.

The show is written by comedy icon Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (who also takes on directing duties) and Tricia Paoluccio (who also plays the Queen of Country herself). It features hits written or recorded by Parton, including “9 to 5,” “Here You Come Again” and “I Will Always Love You.”

The show takes audiences to May 2020, a time where toilet paper was at a premium, everyone washed their hands to “Happy Birthday,” and we all wiped down groceries. Struggling stand-up comedian Kevin (Matthew Risch) has been forced to move back with his parents into the attic of his childhood home in Longview, Texas. He’s lost his love, his career and generally, his way.

Enter Dolly Parton (Paoluccio), his guardian angel who has stepped out of the life-size poster on his wall. Over the next two hours, they discuss love, life, and everything in between.

Paoluccio is such a revelation as Dolly Parton. You can see why Dolly herself gave Paoluccio her rhinestones stamp of approval to play her. She plays Dolly with so much humor and heart, it’s like watching the icon herself.

Her voice is so strong and leaves many in the audience wondering if she may be lip-syncing. She is not. While it has the Dolly cadence, that’s her own big beautiful voice shining up there.

Broadway veteran Matthew Risch holds his own as Kevin against the over-the-top legend. From the opening moments of the show you know he is a force to be reckoned with.

The character of Kevin is the stand-in for the struggles so many people went through during lockdown, sorting out what our priorities are and who we want to be. The audience finds itself rooting for him the whole time. No spoilers, but it pays off in the end.

Risch and Paoluccio’s chemistry is palpable. They seem like they are having a blast on stage together and that really translates to the audience. The show really lights up when they pair up for a few duets, including the iconic “Islands in the Stream.” Their comedic interpretation of “Jolene” is a major highlight of the show.

Proper recognition and kudos go to scenic designer Anna Louizos, whose cluttered, dolly covered, Pee Wee Herman’s Playhouse-eque attic serves as the perfect backdrop. Clearly, every detail has been thoroughly thought through.

Bobby Pearce designed the costumes, which is not an easy task considering some of Dolly’s iconic looks. Pearce knocks it out of the park, putting his own spin on her Bob Mackie inspired style.

This production of Here You Come Again is currently the last scheduled iteration of the show after six previous productions across the country. Hopefully, some very smart producer will pick it up and the show will have a life far beyond this run. Get yourself to Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theater before August 27, so you don’t miss out on a very special show.

For tickets and more information visit goodspeed.org.