TENDERLY: The Rosemary Clooney Musical presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through May 17th. I attended the April 25th matinee performance.
Mollie Vogt-Welch & Sam Simahk
Originally staged at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in 2014, which resulted in an extended sold-out run, TENDERLY: The Rosemary Clooney Musical has returned to the Shelterhouse stage.
Based on the life of Rosemary Clooney, the book, music and lyrics for TENDERLY were created by local artists Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman. The pair do a wonderful job of providing insight into Rosemary’s life, and of showcasing her songbook without forcing the songs into place within the book. The scenes, flashbacks and songs are natural and flowing.
The story follows a defiant Clooney struggling to work with a therapist after a nervous breakdown. Over the course of the performance, we follow Clooney’s career, from singing on the porch with her sister Betty to the pair being discovered here in Cincinnati. Rosemary’s decision to strike out on her own, her multiple marriages and her eventual comeback give audiences a glimpse into her grit and determination.
Headlining this two-person show is Mollie Vogt-Welch as Rosemary, who embodies the vocalist’s sound and sass. The clarity and quality of her voice are perfect for the role and her performance leaves little doubt who is the commanding presence.
Joining her onstage in the roles of The Doctor/Others is Sam Simahk. Aside from serving as her therapist, Simahk plays all the other characters that appear in the show: Rosemary’s mother, her sister Betty, her husbands and even Bing Crosby just to name a few. Through small costume additions and changes, Simahk makes every character unique in voice and mannerisms.
Speaking of costumes, designed by Gordon DeVinney, the duo’s main outfits and styling evoke the time-period perfectly. Clooney’s final look for the show could have come right out of her personal collection.
The set design by Tamara L. Honesty is smart and sparing. The pieces used for the therapists’ office are perfect, again cementing the time period. Having the pieces set upstage to gives the audience in the round the best chance to enjoy every moment. The upstage area that houses the musicians evokes a nightclub stage, a fitting backdrop for the songstress.
The trio of musicians accompanying the show are top notch, with music director Matthew Umphreys at the piano each performance.
A special shout-out to the stage crew, managed by Brooke Redler, who were always ready to pass off and receive props and costumes pieces as scenes went into and out of flashbacks.
Director and choreographer Michael Marotta brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this production. He originated the role of The Doctor/Others in Playhouse’s original production and has played the role several times over the past 13 years. The pacing of the show is excellent as well as the use of the entire play area. By keeping the set pieces upstage, the transitions between past and present flow extremely well.
Overall a lovely and engaging production, a fitting tribute to a local legend. The two actors have great chemistry and make the entire performance appear effortless.
My rating: 5.0 out of 5
For more information on Vogt’s & Friedman’s complete musical catalog, visit www.vogtfriedmancomposers.com.
Please note: Michael Marotta will be returning to the production in the roles of The Doctor/Others beginning May 6th. Sam Simahk is heading back to New York City to star in a Broadway show.
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