Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) presents the first show of its reopening season, the Southern California premiere of a new musical about one of the most iconic vocalists, “Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical,” starring Linda Purl as Rosemary, with book by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman.
Previews begin Thursday, Oct. 7, with opening at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. The show runs through Sunday, Oct. 24 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara.
The show is directed by Jenny Sullivan with music direction from George Fridenthal, and choreography by Jean Michelle Sayeg.
“Tenderly” is the personal and poignant bio-musical of the legendary song stylist Rosemary Clooney. Also starring in the show is David Engel playing a multitude of characters including Frank Sinatra, Jose Ferrer, and Bing Crosby.
The production features a live, on-stage band performing such beloved songs as “Hey There (You with the Stars in Your Eyes),” “Tenderly,” and “Come On-A My House.”
“We are all so thrilled to begin performing live again on the New Vic stage,” said Jonathan Fox, ETC’s artistic director. “We are even more excited to once again greet our audiences in person at the theater as we present one of our most ambitious seasons ever, opening with this inspirational show.
“With an iconic songbook that is deeply woven into the fabric of this country, this musical is the perfect way to reopen our doors and invite audiences to ‘Come On-a Our House’ once again for a sensational night and season of theatrical magic.
“We’re thrilled that it brings back director Jenny Sullivan to direct and the one-of-a-kind Linda Purl, and we’re also delighted to introduce David Engel to our audiences.”
Previously seen on ETC’s stage in “The Year of Magical Thinking,” Purl is an acclaimed cabaret singer. Her television credits include the series “The Oath,” “Homeland,” “True Blood” and “The Office.”
Los Angeles theater performer and Ovation Award-winner, Engel plays “The Doctor.” His Broadway credits include the original casts of “Putting it Together,” “Seussical: The Musical,” “La Cage aux Folles,” and the original New York production of “Forever Plaid, Plaid Tidings.” He also starred in “Forever Plaid: The Movie.”
“Tenderly” is made possible through ETC’s 2021-22 Season Sponsor Dana White. This production is sponsored by The Pulitzers, with additional sponsorship provided by Montecito Bank & Trust, The Corwin D. Denney Foundation through Andy and Jo Gifford, Ruth and Alan Heeger, Deb and Ken Pontifex, Kathy Weber, and Parm and Frank Williams.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays; with an added 7 p.m. show Tuesday Oct. 12; and a 4 p.m. Saturday matinee Oct. 16.
Single tickets are available through the ETC box office, 805-965-5400, or online at etcsb.org. Subscriptions are on sale for the entire 2021-22 season, which includes “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberly,” “Carmen Jones,” “American Son” and “Sleuth.”
ETC will require audience members to be fully vaccinated. Masks are required for everyone. The New Vic has upgraded its theater’s ventilation system to meet current standards, including higher grade filters and bringing in 40% outdoor air. Lobby restrooms have additional air-purifying stations. Check www.etcsb.org for updated procedures before your scheduled performance date.