Photo Flash: Dolly Parton Makes Hologram Appearance in Dollywood's A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Guests love the four million dazzling lights, award-winning entertainment and delicious food for which Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana is known. However, it may be one of Dollywood's newest "performers" which leaves them buzzing when the annual festival opens Saturday, Nov. 9. New this year is the groundbreaking production of Dollywood's A Christmas Carol, which uses holographic technology to bring Broadway favorite Dolly Parton to the stage as the Ghost of Christmas Past. This special twist on Charles Dickens' classic story marks the first time holograms have been featured in this family-favorite tale. Thanks to this new technology, Parton will perform, albeit as a hologram, in each performance. Check out a photo of Parton onstage below!

Parton's Ghost of Christmas Past, Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Present and Future are life-sized holograms, marking the first time four actors appear via the cutting-edge technology in the same theatrical production.

"When they told me they were going to make a hologram out of me, I thought they were crazy," Parton said with a laugh. "But when I saw how real it looked on stage, I couldn't believe it. I'm not sure this world can handle two Dolly Partons, but I'm excited folks will be able to see 'the other Dolly' reminding families that it's not what you have but who you have, just like ole Scrooge figures out in the end."

Set amid lavish Victorian scenery, Dollywood's A Christmas Carol is underscored by eight powerful new songs written by Parton especially for this 45-minute musical of redemption and hope. Because the story is set in the U.K., Parton gave the music a classic U.K. feeling by infusing each song with classic Scots-Irish rhythms as well as musical and lyrical structures borrowed from traditional English folk songs.

This heartwarming tale about the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge features a 16-member cast, fully orchestrated musical tracks and period costuming.

Smoky Mountain Christmas continues through Jan. 4, 2014. Operating days and hours vary; visitDollywood.com for details.

Several other beloved shows return, including Christmas in the Smokies, An Appalachian Christmas,'Twas the Night Before Christmas, O' Holy Night, Christmas with The Kingdom Heirs and Carol of the Trees. Guests also can experience the nightly Parade of Lights, a festive procession of larger-than-life toys and characters, as well as Santa's Workshop, where the smallest guests can share their wish list with Kris Kringle.

Dollywood's popular Smoky Mountain Miniature Railroad returns after a well-received 2012 debut. This multi-level display features several model trains snaking through an elaborate and beautifully decorated miniature landscape. This kid-favorite attraction pulls in to the station at the Wings of America stage in Craftsman's Valley.

Families can finish their visit with a traditional Christmas meal as Dollywood's menus feature several holiday-themed items. Among the favorites are turkey breast with orange marmalade glaze, hickory-smoked London broil, cider-braised chicken, sweet potato casserole and mashed potatoes with turkey gravy. Dessert options include red velvet cake, apple bread pudding, apple cinnamon funnel cake, gingerbread cookies and more.

Smoky Mountain Christmas guests can upgrade a paid one-day admission ticket to a regular 2014 season pass for just $27 (plus tax). Ticket purchasers receive credit for the value of a one-day ticket ($56) toward the purchase of a 2014 season pass. A season pass purchased during Smoky Mountain Christmas provides unlimited admission to this year's Christmas festival along with Dollywood's entire 2014 season. (A one-day ticket is valid for upgrade on the day of visit only.) Also, guests who purchase a Dollywood one-day ticket after 6 p.m. receive free admission to the park's next operating day.

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

Dolly Parton

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