CINCINNATI – One of the most beloved entertainers of all time comes home to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in the exhilarating and inspiring musical biography TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL, opening in previews March 21. Presented by Ellen and Ray van der Horst, the show runs through May 17 in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre. Opening night is March 26.
The musical follows Clooney’s meteoric rise from Maysville, KY, to Cincinnati to Hollywood, her battles with addiction and depression and her eventual comeback. The story unfolds at Clooney’s therapy sessions with her life-long doctor who she admired and trusted. Nineteen songs help tell the tale, including some of her most popular: “Come On A-My House,” “Tenderly,” “Sisters,” “Mambo Italiano,” “Hey There,” “Botch-A-Me” and more.
TENDERLY enjoyed a sold-out, extended run at the Playhouse in 2014. Since then, it’s been a hit for theatres across the country. Michael Marotta, who performed in the original Playhouse production, returns to direct TENDERLY after performing in and directing numerous productions nationwide, bringing a depth of experience and insight into the all-new production.
“I have learned so much from doing this show,” Marotta said. “From the women whom I’ve played opposite and examining their interpretations to the audience who adored her and had to learn things they were not prepared for. From directors who shared insights that were new to me or exposed misgivings that I had to challenge. Being an old Hollywood film buff, I consider myself well-versed in the rights and wrongs in telling a story like this one.”
Cincinnati-based playwrights and songwriters Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman based the musical on extensive interviews and Clooney’s two biographies, offering a personal portrait of the woman whose unparalleled talent and unbridled personality made her a legend.
“There are so many layers to her story,” Vogt said. “Of course, there is her unique and lush voice that captures the ear from the very first word she sings in every song — truly mesmerizing. But behind that voice is a compelling story of a woman who meets some very difficult challenges in her life head-on. Rosie was always very forthright about sharing those moments, and I find so much inspiration in her honesty. Her ability to push forward as she reinvented herself, both personally and professionally, continually broadening her horizons as an artist and singer, is a life lesson for all of us.”
ARTISTS
- Mollie Vogt-Welch* Rosemary Clooney
- Sam Simahk* The Doctor/Dance Captain
- Janet Yates Vogt Playwright/Composer/Lyricist
- Mark Friedman Playwright/Composer/Lyricist
- Michael Marotta Director/Choreographer
- Matthew Umphreys Music Director
- Tamara L. Honesty Set Designer
- Gordon DeVinney Costume Designer
- Amber Whatley Lighting Designer
- Amoirie Perteet Sound Designer
- Stephanie Klapper, CSA Casting Director
- Brooke Redler* Stage Manager*
- Carolyn Fast* Stage Manager (April 9–15)
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
TICKETS
Tickets begin at $35.00. Prices vary depending on performance. Preview performances take place on March 21, 24 and 25. Opening performance is March 26 at 7:30 p.m. Regular performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A matinee performance will be offered on April 8 at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.
EVENTS
Preview Performances
Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.
Opening Night
Share the excitement of the opening performance!
- Thursday, March 26, 7:30 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
Art Talks (Formerly Meet the Artists)
Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.
Audio-Described Performance
Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a hearing enhancement system, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue. Before the show and during intermission, show and actor information are shared.
Come On-A My House: Post-show Sing-Along
Join our pianist and fellow audience members as we sing through the Rosemary Clooney songbook. A piano player will lead you through the Golden Age standards made famous by Rosemary Clooney. Attendees are invited to sing along or to sit and enjoy. Lyrics will be available. All are welcome at this free, informal sing-along. Cash bar.
ADVISORY
TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL is appropriate for teenage and adult audiences. The inspiring story of Rosemary Clooney’s life contains mild adult language and other mature themes, most notably involving her nervous breakdown and one-time addiction to pills.
SPONSORS
Presented by Ellen and Ray van der Horst. Production Sponsor is Huntington Bank. Honorary Producers are Charles and Joann Mead and In Honor of Jan Denton. Design sponsors are Kelly Dehan and Rick Staudigel. Artist Sponsors are 19/19 Investment Counsel, Geiler, Kathryn Merchant and Betsy and Jerry Shroat. Artist Sponsor of Michael Marotta is Dr. Susan R. Strick. The 2025-2026 Rosenthal Shelterhouse Season is sponsored by the Vontz Family.
The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
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Cincinnati Music Theatre Scholarship Program
