Rosemary Clooney was one of the first stars who introduced me to the magic of Golden Age Hollywood, before I even really knew who she was. White Christmas was one of the first classic movies I saw growing up, and Clooney’s charming personality and melodious singing voice immediately endeared her to me and so many other viewers. However, if you want to know more about this talented star, beyond the glitz and glamour on the surface of her career, Tenderly is the show for you. Written by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, and directed by Jim Tyminski, Tenderly tells the comprehensive story of Rosemary Clooney’s life. Set in 1968 in a psychiatrist’s office at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Beverly Hills, where Clooney is making visits due to her mental health struggles, the musical constantly flashes back and forth in time to paint viewers a picture of this icon’s life and career—whether it’s the highs, the lows, or everything in between.
Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical at the Delray Beach Playhouse Starring Diane Tyminski and Michael Coppola. Photo by Jerahmeel James
Tenderly features a smaller cast, with only two main roles: Rosemary Clooney (Diane Tyminski) and her psychiatrist (Michael Coppola). It can be a challenge for two actors to carry an entire show, especially one that carries the emotional weight of Tenderly. Nonetheless, Tyminski and Coppola were up to the task. Diane Tyminski harnesses Clooney’s expressiveness and warmth, while also delivering a convincing performance in the more emotional moments; she especially stood out in numbers like “I Get Along Without You Very Well” and “Have I Stayed Too Long At The Fair?”. From Clooney’s humble beginnings in Maysville, Kentucky, to the start of her career in Hollywood and beyond, Tyminski takes the audience on the full journey with her. Michael Coppola provides a listening ear as Rosemary Clooney’s psychiatrist, but also shines in a variety of other roles as the narrative travels back in time—including Clooney’s longtime friends and Old Hollywood royalty, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra; spouses José Ferrer and later Dante DiPaolo; and even family members, like her sister Betty, with whom Clooney started her singing career in the late 1940s. Coppola does a masterful job of changing his voice and mannerisms to fit each character in even the most subtle ways, showcasing his range as an actor.
The storytelling style of Tenderly was overall cleverly executed. The story mostly remained grounded within the Cedars-Sinai setting, yet effortlessly blended flashbacks and anecdotes throughout. I appreciated the addition of Rosemary Clooney’s songs, including hits such as “Hey There,” “Come On-a My House,” “Sisters,” “Botch-a-Me,” “Mambo Italiano,” “Sway,” and, of course, “Tenderly,” the latter of which is performed multiple times throughout the show. Clooney’s songs were smoothly incorporated into the story, so their inclusion never felt awkward or oddly placed throughout. Special kudos goes to Music Director Donya Lane, as well as the live band, consisting of Lane herself on piano, Ranses Colon on bass, and Frank Derrick on drums. The music truly enhanced my theatrical experience and was a highlight of the show for me, and that’s thanks to your impressive work!
I also enjoyed the simplicity of the set design, aided by Scenic Designer Kat Davis. Although Tenderly tackles some emotional topics, the set itself feels classic and cozy, the psychiatrist’s office largely serving as a safe space for Clooney, even when she doesn’t initially see it as such. The lighting design (by Stevie Bleich) and costume design (by Penelope Williams) also add to this overall ambiance, placing Clooney in the spotlight in an understated yet impactful way. Overall, the crew does a fantastic job of helping tell Rosemary Clooney’s story.
Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical at the Delray Beach Playhouse Starring Diane Tyminski and Michael Coppola. Photo by Jerahmeel James
If there’s one thing that did fall a little flat for me, I felt like the writing had moments of clunkiness sometimes. I appreciated all of the information provided about Rosemary Clooney’s life (especially as someone who didn’t know many of these things about her, and learned a lot throughout the show), but at times I got the impression of the story “showing” more than it was “telling.” This is more due to the show’s book than anything specific in this production, but it was something I noticed and thought might stand out to audience members, too.
Whether you are already a fan of Rosemary Clooney’s or if she is entirely new to you, you’ll certainly enjoy her story with the Delray Beach Playhouse’s production of Tenderly! The show is equal parts powerful and joyful in its depiction of Rosemary Clooney’s world—this combination makes for a truly unique and uplifting viewing experience, so don’t miss the chance to see it for yourself.
Tenderly runs at the Delray Beach Playhouse, located on Lake Ida, through October 19. Purchase your tickets here.
Samara Smukler is a recent graduate of the University of Miami, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English (with a concentration in Creative Writing) and Psychology. Her work has appeared in a variety of student publications, including The Miami Hurricane newspaper and Distraction Magazine, the university’s premier arts and lifestyle magazine. More recently, she served as a Senior Editorial Intern for Girls’ Life Magazine, where she interviewed rising stars in the entertainment industry and reported on various topics in the pop culture, entertainment, beauty and lifestyle areas. She is thrilled to combine her passion for storytelling and love of theater as a writer for South Florida Theater Magazine!
