Theater Review – March 14, 2026

“TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL” BRINGS THE GREAT ‘50s AND ‘60s SINGER/ENTERTAINER BACK TO LIFE BRILLIANTLY

“Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Judith Hardes Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Rosemary Clooney was a gifted singer/entertainer who shined in the ‘50s and ‘60s.  Pill addiction and changing musical styles caused her initial decline until she reinvented herself in 1977 before her 2002 passing at age 74.  Clooney was an acquired taste.  Some loved her and others didn’t understand her popularity.  She starred in some of Hollywood’s biggest hits including 1954’s “White Christmas” and later on radio, in a television series, and other showcases.  Some of her most famous song hits included “Come On-A My House,” “Hey There,” “Paper Moon,” “Mambo Italiano,” and “Sisters.”

Now all these years later a musical tribute, “Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical,” entertains with her hit songs but the tale has a dark side as it relays her troubled life including her on-again, off-again marriage to womanizer Jose Ferrer, five children, and, late in life, a loving marriage to Dante DiPaolo.  She was also involved in close friend Robert F. Kennedy’s Presidential campaign and she was present when he was assassinated in 1968.

The Phoenix Theatre Company displays the story lovingly with master interpreter Gina Guarino capturing Clooney’s musical style and sound as she flawlessly performs Clooney’s famous songs but Guarino also artfully represents Clooney’s mannerisms, expressions, arm thrusts, and the way she threw her blonde hair about.  It is a richly detailed re-creation and I saw Clooney in one of her last local appearances in the late ‘70s at a Scottsdale nightclub no longer there.  Guarino couldn’t be a better Clooney persona.

Another performer is also part of the show with Tony Blosser playing her psychiatrist but also essaying several big stars Clooney worked with and her sister, Betty, who was part of Clooney’s premiere act when she began her career near her Kentucky birthplace.  Blosser with a wave of a hat, or a minimalist prop transforms into these various personalities with ease and aplomb.

“Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical” entertains with remarkably performed songs Clooney made famous, a touching story of the challenges she faced with various professional and personal issues in a smartly presented, dynamic entertainment.  For those that remember Clooney the show will bring back treasured memories and for those who haven’t heard of her, they will understand why she was a top talent in her era.

“Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical” continues through May 3.  To order tickets, call The Phoenix Theatre Company box office at 602-254-2151 or order tickets online at www.phoenixtheatre.com.

Grade: A