ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY Presents the First Show in its 2021-2022 Season of Reopening!LINDA PURL & DAVID ENGEL starring inThe Southern California Premiere ofTENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICALBook by Janet Yates Vogt & Mark Friedman Music Direction by George FriedenthalChoreography by Jean Michelle SayegDIRECTED BY JENNY SULLIVANLimited Engagement begins Thursday, October 7 at The New Vic in Santa Barbara! 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 of all time, Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical, with book by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, direction from JENNY SULLIVAN, music direction from GEORGE FRIEDENTHAL, and choreography by JEAN MICHELLE SAYEG, begins previews on Thursday, October 7, opens on Saturday, October 9 at 8:00pm and runs through Sunday, October 24, 2021 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria Street in Santa Barbara. Tenderly is the remarkably personal and poignant bio-musical of the legendary song stylist Rosemary Clooney. Starring Linda Purl as Rosemary and David Engel as a multitude of characters including, Frank Sinatra, Jose Ferrer, and Bing Crosby, the production features a live, on-stage band performing many beloved songs, including 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 ETCs Artistic Director, Jonathan Fox. 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. Were thrilled that it brings back Director Jenny Sullivan to direct and the one-of-a-kind Linda Purl.ABOUT THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAMThe cast of Tenderly stars ETC favorite Linda purl as Rosemary Clooney. Previously seen on ETCs stage in The Year of Magical Thinking, Linda is an acclaimed cabaret singer. Her television credits include the series The Oath, Homeland, True Blood, and The Office, among many others. Los Angeles theater favorite and Ovation Award-winner David Engel plays The Doctor. His Broadway credits include the original casts ofPutting it Together,Seussical: The Musical,La Cage aux Folles, and the original New York production ofForever Plaid, Plaid Tidingsand he also starred in Forever Plaid: The Movie. Jenny Sullivan is back at ETC after directing ETCs productions of The Legend of Georgia McBride, I Am My Own Wife, and The Year of Magical Thinking.The musicals book is by JANET YATES VOGT and MARK FRIEDMAN. Ms. Vogt is known nationally and internationally not only for her musical theatre works, but also for her numerous publications in many different musical genres, including vocal music for children and choral works for adults. Mr. Friedman is a playwright, composer, and lyricist who fell in love with musicals at an early age Tenderly is made possible through the generosity of ETCs 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.ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULETenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical previews on Thursday, October 7, opens on Saturday, October 9, and runs through Sunday, October 24, 2021 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria Street in Santa Barbara. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, with an added Tuesday 7:00pm show on October 12 and a Saturday 4:00pm matinee performance on October 16, 2021. Single tickets are available through the ETC box office at(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.ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY COVID PROTOCOLS AT THE NEW VICFor the health, safety and well-being of its patrons, staff and artists,ETC will require audience members to be fully vaccinated. Masks are required for everyone. The New Vic has upgraded its theaters ventilation system to meet current standards, including higher grade filters and bringing in 40% outdoor air. Lobby restrooms have additional air-purifying stations. Please checkwww.etcsb.orgfor any updated procedures before your scheduled performance date.To schedule press interviews, photos or press comps, please contact David Elzer/DEMAND PR at 818-508-1754 or by e-mail at davidelzer@me.com.CALENDAR LISTINGTenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical Book by Janet Yates Vogt & Mark Friedman Music Direction by George FriedenthalChoreography by Jean Michelle SayegDirected by Jenny SullivanPreviews: Thursday, October 7 at 7:30pm and Friday, October 8 at 8:00pmOpens: Saturday, October 9 at 7:30pmRuns: Thursday, October 7 Sunday, October 24, 2021Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, with an added Tuesday 7:30pm show on October 12 and a Saturday 4:00pm matinee performance on October 16, 2021. Ensemble Theatre Company at The New Vic 33 W. Victoria Street in Santa Barbara For tickets visit www.etcsb.org or call (805) 965-5400
