UTAH SYMPHONY with Rosemary Clooney, Thursday, Dec. 7, one night only.
"I'm dreaming of a White Christmas . . . ."
The co-star of the classic film "White Christmas" may not have been able to bring the snow Thursday, but she did bring a wonderful nostalgic tribute to Christmases "like the ones (we) used to know."
Rosemary Clooney shared her personable flair with Salt Lake City Thursday during an appearance with the Utah Symphony. She was backed by both the orchestra and the West Jordan High School Choir, combined with members of the Utah Symphony Choir.
The orchestra began the program with some cheery seasonal symphonic fare under the baton of Scott O'Neil. Favorites, such as Christmas medleys and selections from Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker," started the evening with holiday cheer.
But when Clooney made her appearance, it was obvious that she is still as beloved as ever. A packed hall whistled and cheered as Clooney, who is now in her 70s, was helped onstage.
She began with some time-tested favorites, including "Let It Snow," "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and a big-band rendition of "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," recorded previously with Rosie O'Donnell.
Time has changed some things for Clooney, but her charm and musical flair remain, and it's still a delight to hear her sing. Her amiable girl-next-door demeanor has transformed into grandmotherly warmth, demonstrated as she filled the between-song banter with stories about her grandchildren.
Suddenly the stage lights dimmed, and there, on an onstage screen, Bing Crosby sang a tender and sentimental "White Christmas" in a clip from the film of that title.
Clooney shared behind-the-scenes stories and memories from the movie, interspersed with more clips and live performances of songs from the film.
Seeing Danny Kaye and Crosby hamming it up, and hearing Clooney, the choir and the symphony with the backdrop of the film, really created a wonderfully nostalgic Christmas performance.
E-MAIL: rcline@desnews.com