April 25 , 2007
'Rose' to the Challenge

James Johnson for UP and COMING

From the first sound of the trumpet, to the last note sung, A Dash Of Rosemary! proves that legends like singer Rosemary Clooney never die with a musical revue that dares to tell a story.

Musical revues generally offer little in the way of substance and a lot in the way of mindless fun, which can be frustrating for some and comforting for others. A Dash Of Rosemary! tries to offer audiences a bit of both, though it can't seem to help leaning a little more towards mindless fun, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The show's director and writer Douglas Kampsen should be commended for not only highlighting some of the singer's greatest career successes, but also not hesitating to delve into the singer's troubles as well.

The story is told by the show's three singers, Wendy Hayes (Sound of Music, Smokey Joe's Cafe), Rachael Smith (Sound of Music, Smokey Joe's Cafe) and Temple newcomer John Summerford.

Between songs, each performer speaks to the audience, telling the story of Clooney's life. While some of these segments are funny and well written much of the dialogue sounds as if it were taken from a Greatest Hits infomercial.

Even if the method of delivery could use some work, the story of Clooney's life is at least as interesting as the songs she sang throughout it, and each segment of dialogue is an informative treat.

As to be expected with any show that calls itself a musical revue, the music is where the show really shines. Hayes, Smith and Summerford breathe new life into American classics such as "Old Black Magic," "Too Old to Cut the Mustard," and the showstopper, "Mambo Italiano."

Each song is given an original spin by the three performers, with some takes more successful than others. For example, "Come On-a My House," which is arguably Clooney's most well-known song, is sung in a goofy playful manner, taming much of the song's intended innuendo. The performers neglect to put on the Italian accent that Clooney had famously injected into some of her music, which makes some of the more Italian- sounding lyrics sound odd.

The show features a full jazz-style band that not only helps bring Clooney's classic music to life, but also helps make the audience feel as if they've been transported to an old-fashioned jazz club.

Sadly, there were a few points in the show in which the singers were drowned out by the band, but these moments were sparse.

Choreographer Debra Smith-Vega helped add to much of the show's humor and some of its greatest moments. At the start of Act II, Smith and Hayes mirror each other's movements while facing opposite directions to help illustrate Clooney's mid-life mental breakdown. It is among the show's most powerful and touching moments.

A Dash Of Rosemary! is well worth the drive to Sanford, and will have you singing the entire way back.