July 1, 2021 DENVER—After what will be more than 500 days without a live performance, Cherry Creek Theatre (CCT), founded by Maxine & Mark Rossman, will reopen its doors at the JCC Mizel Arts and Culture Center (MACC) in August with “Tenderly, The Rosemary Clooney Musical.”

In 2017, CCT took up residence in the MACC’s cozy Pluss Theatre. But for the 2021 season, the theatre company and the culture center knew the 99-seat black box wasn’t viable with COVID restrictions. The parties worked together to move productions into the MACC’s larger, 400-seat Elaine Wolf Theatre. Audience capacity will be limited in the Wolf to ensure appropriate social distancing between theatergoers.

“Tenderly” opens the company’s 11th season August 6. Opening night will be a celebration, not only for the cast and crew, but for the return of live performances and the board will honor CCT co-founders Maxine & Mark Rossman who retired last summer.

Kelly van Oosbree (“A Little Night Music” at CCT) directs Abby Apple Boes (“Other Desert Cities” at CCT) in the title role and Jeffrey Parker (CCT debut, “Into the Woods” at Phamaly Theatre) in this charming two-person musical. Told through all of her signature songs, “Tenderly” takes audiences beyond the limelight of Rosemary Clooney’s public persona with an intimate look at her personal life from her Appalachian roots to Hollywood stardom.

The production run August 6–29 in the Elaine Wolf Theatre.

The other previously announced titles, “Steel Magnolias” and “Jest a Second!”are scheduled to run in the Wolf October 1–24 and October 29–November 21, respectively.

Season tickets, and single tickets for “Tenderly,” are on sale. More information can be found at cherrycreektheatre.org.