Broadway’s upcoming season is already drawing attention for two unusually expensive new musicals: one centered on Dolly Parton and another based on Paddington. With budgets described as around $30 million, both productions are being framed as major commercial gambles at a time when launching original or adapted musicals has become increasingly difficult.
Among the four new musicals currently on sale, these two titles appear to be the clearest early standouts. The Dolly project carries the appeal of a hugely recognizable American music icon, while Paddington brings a family-friendly British property with broad name recognition. That contrast has helped position them as the season’s most closely watched contenders.
The broader backdrop is a Broadway market still facing pressure around the economics of new musicals. Even before the season formally gets going, concerns about the health of the form and the scale of financial risk are part of the conversation. The article notes that the season will not fully begin for a few more weeks, when "Paranormal Activity" starts previews at the August Wilson Theatre.
That makes the race between Dolly and Paddington especially notable. Each show represents a different strategy for attracting audiences, but both are being tested by the same reality: on Broadway, even familiar brands and beloved figures are no guarantee when the costs are this high.
