The Phoenix Theatre Company Celebrates the Life of Rosemary Clooney in Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical

 (FEBRUARY 13, 2026 – PHOENIX) – The Phoenix Theatre Company presents Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical, an intimate and heartfelt musical that traces the extraordinary life of one of America’s most beloved voices, running March 4 – May 3, 2026, in the Judith Hardes Theatre.

Before she was George Clooney’s famous aunt, Rosemary Clooney was a force of nature, a young woman from a small town in Kentucky who became one of the twentieth century’s biggest recording stars. But behind the golden voice and Hollywood glamour was a life marked by personal upheaval, addiction, and an extraordinary comeback that redefined her legacy.

Tenderly tells Clooney’s story through the lens of her therapy sessions, weaving between memories, flashbacks, and the timeless songs that made her a star. With just two performers on stage, one actor embodies Rosemary while the other transforms into more than a dozen characters, from her psychiatrist to Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, José Ferrer, and members of her own family, creating a deeply personal portrait of resilience and reinvention.

“I think myself, much like many other people, have heard of Rosemary Clooney and seen White Christmas,” said Director Jodie Weiss. “But reading her memoirs and doing research, I realized she was a very complex human who went through a lot of adversity starting from a very young age. Her ability to overcome those things and reinvent herself is so inspiring. I think everybody could use that right now.”

Featuring classic songs like “Come On-a My House,” “Hey There,” “Sisters,” “Paper Moon,” and the title song “Tenderly,” the production captures the music, the magic, and the tenacity of a true legend. Set on a mid-century-inspired stage designed by Douglas Clarke, the intimate Hardes Theatre setting places audiences right inside Clooney’s world, with a live band performing on stage alongside the actors.

“Audiences will recognize many of Rosemary Clooney’s songs,” said Weiss. “Her music lives on in commercials, in movies, in remakes. This show is charming, poignant, and delightful, a lovely stroll down memory lane that also reveals the real woman behind the voice.”

The cast features Tony Blosser* and Gina Guarino*. Understudies include Lindsay Decoste and Rob Watson. *Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association

Tickets start at $60 and can be purchased at phoenixtheatre.com or (602) 254-2151.

Details

Dates: March 4 – May 3, 2026

Location: The Phoenix Theatre Company, Judith Hardes Theatre

Tickets: phoenixtheatre.com | (602) 254-2151

Audio Description and American Sign Language interpretation are available for this production on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Performance dates and details can be found at phoenixtheatre.com.

ABOUT THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY

The Phoenix Theatre Company is not only the largest professional regional theatre company in the state, with over 600 performances each year on multiple stages, but it’s also the first arts organization in Arizona and a founding member of the Central Arts District. Committed to advancing the performing arts in the Valley, The Phoenix Theatre Company’s mission is to create exceptional theatrical experiences that inspire hope and understanding. For more information about our upcoming shows, outreach programs, and more, visit www.phoenixtheatre.com.