Review: The Regional Premiere of TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL at The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse

The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival has now opened its fourth premiere musical at Auburn's Merry-Go-Round Playhouse for the 2016 season with the regional premiere of TENDERLY: THE Rosemary Clooney MUSICAL. The two-person musical is written Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman and was originally developed and premiered by The Human Race Theatre Company.

The production, beautifully directed by Douglas S. Hall, gives insight into the hardships and struggles that famous singer/actress Rosemary Clooney faced during her time in the spotlight, and the lengths she took to hide her problems from the world. As emphasized here, fame does not always guarantee a picture-perfect life. The price of fame can be a lonely road. Ms. Clooney's loneliness caused her to rely on pills to get through, put on a face, and make others (and herself) believe everything was fine in her life. Her addiction to pills led to a breakdown at a performance at Harold's Club in Reno, Nevada in 1968, which prompted her to go to a hospital to talk to the doctor about her issues. It is there at the hospital - the setting for the majority of the show - where Rosemary reveals what was really happening in her life.

While we have the opportunity to get to know Ms. Clooney, the real person, we also get to know her music - or become reacquainted with her familiar and captivating songs. The familiar tunes are placed perfectly throughout the show to capture so many people, memories, and struggles that were part of Ms. Clooney's life. The music is emotionally and passionately performed onstage by the three person orchestra under the always brilliant direction of Jeff Cox.

The cast consists of only two people, which is somewhat unusual for a musical. However, the cast is absolutely phenomenal and pulls off the roles with such poise, elegance, and professionalism. Their talents shine throughout the show.

Jennifer Swiderski embodies Rosemary Clooney perfectly; you would think you are actually watching the famous singer live onstage. Her portrayal of the fierce, confident, and emotional Rosemary Clooney is superb, and she gives one of the best acting performances I've seen at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. Swiderski's facial expressions, walk, voice, and spunk are spot-on throughout the entire performance.

Not only is her acting phenomenal, her vocals are just as spunky, and emotional as Ms. Clooney's. She dazzles in the familiar Irving Berlin favorites "Sisters" and "Count Your Blessings" from White Christmas. She captures Clooney's spunk and powerful vocals in "Hawaiian War Chant," "Straighten up and Fly Right," "Botch-a-me," and "Mambo Italiano." Swiderski's voice exhibits such emotion in "Tenderly" and "Have I Stayed too Long at the Fair." While every song is a highlight, her standout moment comes with "Come On-A My House-The Breakdown." This song is sung during Ms. Clooney's breakdown in Reno, and - as sung and interpreted by Ms. Swiderski at that important moment - it is powerful, emotional, heartbreaking, and real. Her rendition of the classic Gershwin tune "Someone to Watch Over Me" is also extremely memorable.

Scott Guthrie plays the Doctor at the Beverly Hills Hospital, as well as many other characters that Rosemary Clooney describes during her appointments with the Doctor, including her mother and Uncle George. Guthrie fabulously portrays Rosemary Clooney's sister, Betty, in many of the musical numbers, and sings duets with Swiderski as Ms. Clooney's sister. Guthrie also shows off his considerable acting chops portraying famous actors and singers that Ms. Clooney performed with, including Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Guthrie transitions from character to character so smoothly and impeccably, and he easily embodies each character in each scene and song. Guthrie delivers a flawless believable performance.

The artistic elements really add to the actors' performances and the overall experience of watching the musical. Tiffany Howard's costumes are period appropriate and glamorous. Czerton Lim's perfectly simple set design is pure perfection, and shows off Mark Romig's fabulous lighting that is often used to reveal which character is being portrayed by Scott Guthrie with just a costume piece or prop with a spotlight shining on it behind the screened window. The simple yet complex show comes together beautifully with the appropriate minimalist approach.

TENDERLY: THE Rosemary Clooney MUSICAL does what musical theatre is supposed to do. It tells a beautiful story with captivating music. The production would not to succeed without strong actors and that is exactly what this show has. The show is a must-see not only for its gorgeous music, and lovely story, but also to see two very talented people perform flawlessly and demonstrate how sometimes simplicity in Live Theatre is the most captivating of all.

Running Time: Two hours and ten minutes with one fifteen minute intermission.

Guidance: There are gun shots, cigarettes, and some language in the production.

Merry-Go-Round Playhouse's regional premiere of TENDERLY: THE Rosemary Clooney MUSICAL as part of the 2016 season of the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival runs from October 5, 2016 through October 19, 2016. For tickets and information of the present production and the festival visit their website http://fingerlakesmtf.com/ or call 315-255-1785 or toll free at 1-800-457-8897.

Photo: Cast of TENDERLY: THE Rosemary Clooney MUSICAL; by Ron Heerkens Jr.

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