Clooney tickets selling faster than ever

Thursday, August 7, 2008 12:34 AM EDT

The 10th Annual Rosemary Clooney Festival is less than two months away and tickets are already selling out.

Abby Dobson of Lundy's Special Events, which produces the event each year, announced Wednesday all $100.00 Bronze level seats have completely sold out. Almost 100 tables have been sold for the event, leaving only around 300 seats available.

Dobson said the event is expected to completely sell out. Over 1,000 people have purchased tickets and the event has the capacity to accommodate 1,300 people.

"This is great news. We're just thrilled," Dobson said. "This is the best response we've ever had in the nine previous years of the event."

Dobson said many of the tickets are being sold to residents outside of Maysville and the tri-state area. In addition to people coming to the event from Lexington and Cincinnati, Dobson said purchases have been made from Indiana, Tennessee, and Alabama.

Although the event will be going on during trying times, Dobson said management team at Lundy's hopes it will help boost the local economy by generating revenue and tourism for the area. Those attending the event from out of town are expected to visit Maysville for at least a 48 hour period.

"Our concern is that anyone in the past who has been a part won't be able to attend due to fast ticket sales," said Dobson.

Dobson also expressed concern for those attending the event who plan to sit in the free section on Third Street behind the $100.00 seats won't be able to see the show.


"If you want to see the show you need to get tickets quickly," said Dobson.

According to Dobson, tickets are still available for the Sept. 27 event on three remaining levels: Premier seating, $2,500 per table or $250 a seat; Gold seating, $2,000 per table or $200 a seat; Silver seating, $1,800 per table or $180 per seat. All ticket levels, including Bronze seating, will receive a butler served dinner.

Dobson said tables and seating are all assigned on a first come, first served basis. This year, admission gates will open at 6:30 p.m., an hour later than in previous years, and the entertainment will begin at 7 o'clock. Dobson said everyone is expected to be in the venue by 7 p.m.

The event will be opened by Maysville's "new girl singer." According to a press release from The Maysville Players, the event is in honor of Rosemary Clooney's 80th birthday and to mark the 10th anniversary of the concert.

According to Washington Opera House Executive Director Mike Thomas, the Players are inviting women ages 16 and up to compete for the spot. Applicants must live within a 60-mile radius of Maysville, Clooney country, and submit a recorded DVD or CD performance of one song, which is not to exceed four minutes, in the style of Rosemary Clooney and/or featuring a performance from the Great American Songbook, including Gershwin, Porter, Berlin, Rodgers and Hart, etc.

The deadline for consideration is noon, Aug. 11, and should be mailed to: Girl Singer, C/O The Maysville Players, P.O. Box 537, Maysville, Kentucky 41056.

Six finalists will be selected to perform live before a panel of judges, Friday, Sept. 12 at the Washington Opera House. Thomas said the winner will be determined by the judges vote and audience selection that evening.

"It's a great opportunity to shine as the opening act for Mr.Bolton," said Thomas.

In order to make sure ticket purchases result in a donation to the Rosemary Clooney Endowment Fund which benefits the Maysville Players and the Downing Academy for Performing Arts, call the Washington Opera House at 606-564-3666 for reservations. Ticket reservations may also be mailed to:

Rosemary Clooney Concert

c/o The Maysville Players

P.O. Box 537

Maysville, KY 41056

Contact Barbara Goldman at barbara.goldman@lee.net or 606-564-9091, ext. 274.


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