Rosemary Clooney did not personally appear in the cabaret performance. She died more than 7 years ago. I've never read her autobiography, Girl Singer, but after seeing Rosemary Clooney and Friends by the Chicago Cabaret Professionals, I want to. Rosie didn't have an easy or happy life.
Roughly once a month, the Chicago Cabaret Professionals have been producing one-night-only events at the Drury Lane Water Tower Theater. There is usually a theme or composer-focus for the music included and a different cast of singers participates each time. RC and Friends was the first one I've attended.
I was pleased by the differences in the styles and voices of the five women and one man who made up the cast of this evening. Ranging from a legit soprano voice through all variants of cabaret singer style to a "smoke and gravel" sound--each voice had its place and was suited to the music they were asked to sing.
Some of the music from Clooney's catalogue was familiar to me, but a lot was not. I could have wished for a couple additional uptempo songs, but given the show included more than 24 songs, that's a minor complaint.
Highlights for me were the Marlene Dietrich/Clooney duet between Suzanne Petri and Bob Moreen and two of Rosie's biggest hits "Mambo Italiano" and "Come-on-a My House" both performed by Heather Moran (who had fantastic shoes, too).
Rosemary Clooney and Friends
Created and performed by Chicago Cabaret Professionals
Performed Monday, July 27, 2009 at the Drury Lane Water Tower Theater
Cast: Suzanne Petri, Bob Moreen, Heather Moran, Ava Logan, Spider Saloff, Jeanne
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