Dayton’s historic Victoria Theatre seems the ideal venue for the rags-to-riches story of the little girl from Maysville, Ky., who grew up to become an American entertainment icon.

Many of those gathered Tuesday night for the world premiere of “Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical” remembered the famous pop singer from her early days in the 1940s on Cincinnati’s WLW Radio when she and her sister, Betty, were known as “The Clooney Sisters.”

Opening night, which ended with an enthusiastic standing ovation, was a time for reminiscences. Seated in the audience were members of the Clooney family, including Rosemary’s brother, Nick.

“We were Depression kids, we were poor growing up, and we used to sing on Sundays and entertain ourselves,” an obviously excited Clooney said just before the curtain rose. “What she did was never easy but it was simple — she understood the poetry of the song.”

The homegrown theatrical production, produced by The Human Race Theatre Company for the Victoria’s Broadway series, got its start in Dayton as a musical workshop production. Written by Cincinnati’s Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, the show stars Muse Machine/Miami Valley School graduate Tory Ross, who depicts Clooney through every stage of her often-troubled life. Human Race veteran Scott Stoney juggles parts that include Clooney’s therapist, family members, famous friends — Frank Sinatra, Shecky Greene — and her husbands — actor Jose Ferrer and dance instructor Dante DiPaolo.

The audience was particularly delighted by the Stoney/Ross rendition of “Sisters,” with Stoney singing and dancing the role of Betty Clooney. Songs ranged from “White Christmas” and “Hey There” to “Mambo Italiano” and “Come On-A My House.”

Nick Clooney, who pronounced the new show “perfect with the arc of our lives,” said he was especially touched by “When October Goes.”

“That was an important song at that time of her life,” he said. “It’s her ‘September Song.’ ”

Those in attendance were invited to an after-show reception and the chance to meet the writers, cast members, and Clooney family. Kevin Moore directed the show; music director/arranger was Scot Woolley. On display at the theater are artifacts on loan from The Rosemary Clooney House — sheet music and records, costume accessories, photos and Rosemary Clooney dolls.

Heidi Thomason of Kettering said she traveled with her dad to visit Rosemary Clooney’s home in Kentucky and said her favorite item on display was the family tree.

“What an amazing and talented person!” she said after the show. “I had no idea that she had such a sad and depressing life. Her music is so happy and so full of life that you would never have known she was hurting inside. This is a very beautiful play, and I loved the music and the era.”

Mark Sendroff, Rosemary Clooney’s attorney and friend, came from New York to see the show on Tuesday and said he thought the popular singer would have been “very flattered” by the production overall.

“She had a very interesting story, and she was never shy about describing the ups-and-downs,” Sendroff said. “She was nurturing and she was brilliantly talented. I think Tory Ross did her a great justice tonight.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or MMoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.