Forget a dash! Give us a full dose of ROSEMARY

By Jerry Burns for The Blowing Rocket

Rosemary Clooney is somewhere looking down with a smile - delighted and proud with the work of Director Douglas Kampsen, Choreographer Debra Denys Smith, and the stars of A Dash of Rosemary, Jill Roberts, Gregg Kapp and Nicole Fenstad. The Southeastern premiere of this new show, conceived and directed by Douglas Kampsen and co-written by Kampsen and Kathy Weese, is now playing at the Sunset Drive Auditorium, the grand finale from The Blowing Rock Stage Company for the 2004 summer season.

"Brilliant, simply brilliant in every way," is how one fan described the opening this past Thursday night. "The talent, the music, the set and the presentation was brilliant. The show is well directed, the band is perfect, the set and lighting is fantastic, and the talent on stage is pure magic." Another critic at the show on Thursday night said it would be very easy for the audience to get caught up in the beautiful music and talent, and miss the story of Rosemary Clooney and her remarkable career. "She was truly an icon and this show does unquestionable justice to the quality of her work during her life, " Arthur Burrell said after the show. "This show gives those who love great music a good glimpse into the life of an exceptional performer."

A Dash of Rosemary continues through Sunday, September 5th with shows nightgly at 8 p.m. except Sundays and Monday, with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday August 28-29 and September 4-5. To reserve tickets call the Blowing Rock Stage Company Box Office at 295-9627.