‘Tenderly, the Rosemary Clooney Musical’ wows
“Tenderly, the Rosemary Clooney Musical” that is currently wowing the audiences at Florida Rep.’s Artspace Studio Theatre till Feb. 24 is not your typical “juke box” musical – instead it considers the pitfalls and pressures of stardom. Fear not, this intimate telling of Pop singer Rosemary Clooney’s life and struggles in song is an intimate, intriguing tale of triumphing over adversity, addiction and depression. This cabaret-styled musical penned by Susan Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, stars two outstanding, talented performers Susan Haefner (Rosemary Clooney) making an auspicious Fla. Rep. debut along with long-time Rep. favorite, both as an actor and director, Michael Marotta. Michael takes on multiple roles in “Tenderly:” Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Clooney’s Psychiatrist, as well as playing Clooney’s Mom and sister Betty, ex husband Jose Ferrer, choreographer and lover “Dante” to name but a few; all these characterizations are acting gems. Marotta originated these same multiple roles at “Tenderly’s” premiere at the Cincinnati Playhouse four years ago.
“Tenderly” offers a fresh, remarkably, personally, poignant portrait of a woman whose unparalleled talent and winning personality made her a star as well as a legend.
The musical journey begins with her simple Kentucky childhood upbringing and leads up to her rise to Hollywood stardom, fame and all that, that brings along. Clooney’s tale is told by weaving in her ’50s and ’60s signature songs; this is how we learn of her successes in radio, records, film and T.V. We are told of the struggles she faced in her personal life; her battle with depression and pills leading to addiction; as well as facing a fading career during the advent of rock ‘n roll, added to a failing marriage. But, fear not! We, the audience, get to stand up and cheer (as the opening night audience did,) rejoicing at her triumphant come-back and her even more successful career as a jazz singer.
“Tenderly,” contains more than 20 songs from the “golden age of pop music” with tunes such as “Hey There,” “Tenderly,” “I Get Along Without You Very Well,” “Come on-a My House,” “Mambo Italiano,” “Sisters,” “Count Your Blessings,” to name but a few.
This musical journey of triumph over tragedy had the entire opening might audience in the palm of its hand from start to finish, ending in cheers, bravos and a well deserved standing ovation for the show and certainly the two outstanding performances given by Susan Haefner and Michael Marotta.
My advice is Phone the Box Office (239) 332-4488, now!
If the opening night’s audience’s reaction is any barometer this show will sell out fast; since this is “A MUST SEE!” Remember when you phone , remind ’em Marsha sent you.