Belmont Alumni Shine in 'DOLLY: A True Original Musical'

Decades apart in their Belmont journeys, Jeff Cox and Peri Barnhill found themselves performing together in Dolly Parton’s world-premiere musical

Jeff Cox and Peri Barnhill are at very different points in their careers — one a longtime Nashville musician and educator, the other a recent graduate just beginning her journey. But this summer, their paths converged under the same lights at the Fisher Center for the world premiere of "DOLLY: A True Original Musical." 

Together, they joined a creative team led by Dolly Parton herself to bring a brand-new story to life on the Belmont stage before moving to Broadway — a production filled with heart, humor and unmistakable “Dolly magic.” 

A Full-Circle Moment for a Musician-Educator 

For Jeff Cox, the experience was more than another professional milestone — it was a homecoming. A 1993 graduate of Belmont’s School of Music and former adjunct professor, Cox returned to campus as a bassist in the orchestra for the musical’s debut. 

“Playing the world premiere of 'DOLLY: A True Original Musical' under Dolly Parton’s leadership was a benchmark for me,” Cox shared. “Being back on my alma mater’s campus to help shape a new work headed for Broadway felt full circle.” 

He recalls the first sitzprobe in the Fisher Center as a moment he’ll never forget. “It felt like playing for the queen,” he remarked. “Hearing the orchestra bloom in that hall while she listened was electric and humbling at once.” 

Now serving as director of commercial music at Trevecca Nazarene University, Cox continues to carry Belmont’s lessons into every performance and classroom. He said Belmont gave him his foundation, crediting professors across the School of Music who modeled musicianship and professionalism.  

“They taught us to read anything, show up early and prepared, serve the song and treat people well. That training has opened doors to work with Grammy-winning artists across genres,” he said. “More than chops, Belmont gave me a compass: strive for excellence and lead with humility as a servant-leader.” 

Working alongside current Belmont students on the tech, audio and production teams made the experience even more meaningful. “Their professionalism was top-notch — early, prepared, calm under pressure and solutions-minded,” he said. “Watching them keep a world-premiere machine humming made me proud as an alum and as an educator.” 

From TikTok Audition to the Fisher Center Stage 

For more recent graduate Peri Barnhill, "DOLLY" represented both a breakthrough and a full-circle moment of her own. After submitting her audition through TikTok as part of the global “Search for Dolly,” she was invited to perform for the full creative team — and soon after, found out she booked the show. 

“It was a whirlwind,” she said. “I found out I got the part while I was nannying!” 

Barnhill described the production’s rehearsal process as “joyful and filled with Dolly magic.” One of her favorite moments came on “Bart Day,” when the cast and crew — Dolly included — dressed up as director Bartlett Sher. “Even Dolly dressed up! It was hilarious and showed how much love and laughter filled the rehearsal room.” 

Originating an ensemble track in a world-premiere production was both challenging and rewarding. “Getting to play a part in Dolly Parton’s life was an honor and a privilege,” she said. “Everyone in the cast put so much of themselves into every scene.” 

The Belmont Impact 

Both alumni credit Belmont for shaping not only their artistry but their approach to professional life. 

“I often hear Nancy Allen’s voice saying, ‘Early is on time, on time is late and late is unacceptable,’” Barnhill said, recalling her time in Belmont’s Musical Theatre program. “Belmont gave me the tools to create success for myself. The cumulative impact of each class I took and each person I met influenced who I am as an artist today.” 

Cox echoed that sentiment. “Treat school like the job you want,” he advised. “Be easy to work with, read well, learn multiple styles and keep learning the tech. Your reputation travels faster than your résumé.” 

Looking Ahead 

While Cox continues teaching and performing in Nashville, cheering on "DOLLY" as it heads to Broadway, Barnhill is embracing the adventure of her early career, having recently returned to speak to the CMPA community. Her advice for students dreaming of similar opportunities? 

“Invest in yourself and be brave,” she smiled. “Move to New York — it always works out.”