For a real treat go and see the slightly risque NINE presented by the Sydney University Musical Theatre Ensemble.
Directed by Jonathan Rush and based on the book by Mario Fratti NINE deals with Federico Fellini’s semi-autobiographical film 8 ½. The musical with orchestral accompaniment “leaps between reality and fantasy, comedy and drama, past and present…”
The protagonist, anguished film director Guido Contini, is played with panache by the talented Doug Emery, has difficulty distinguishing between his personal and creative life.
NINE, set in 1960’s Venice, finds Guido nearing a meltdown over the prospect of turning forty and with no script for his next film. NINE explores Guido’s fragility and his numerous romantic liaisons. Guido’s long suffering wife, actress Luisa Contini (Bridget Haberecht) suggests a visit to an exclusive spa in the hope of repairing their marriage. His lover, the sultry Carla Albanese (Anna Colless), interrupts their sojourn.
Everyone wants a piece of Guido from reporters to his French Producer Liliane La Fleur, played by Hannah Cox, who is impatient for Guido’s new script. Hannah, a scene stealer with a vivacious personality, exudes joie de vivre. The associate producer Stephanie Necrophorus (Gabi Kelland) calls his ideas “emotionally inane and the plot is his weakest point.”
The Folies Bergeres scene with the cast resplendent with pink feathers is a highlight.
Guido visits Carla who sings “Be Italian…Live today as if it may become your last.”
Another special moment finds the nine year old Guido (Sam Wood) dancing the Tarantella with gusto led by the prostitute Sarraghina (Lisa-Marie Long)
Act 11 sees film star and muse Claudia Naridi (Bronwyn Hicks) refuse to continue play the same role very time. More drama for the beleaguered Guido.
The set comprises black chairs, two nude drawings, silhouettes on screen and a Venice backdrop.
I give NINE out of ten. NINE opened at the Reginald Theatre at the Seymour Centre on Wednesday 21st October and is playing until Saturday 24th October. Performance time is 7.30pm.
Cast :
Guido Contini- Doug Emery
Luisa- Bridget Haberecht
Carla Albanese- Anna Colless
Liliana La Fleur- Hannah Cox
Stephanie Necrophorus- Gabi Kelland
Guido (at nine)- Sam Wood
Sarranghina- Lisa-Marie Long
Claudia Naridi- Bronwyn Hicks
Lina Darling -Jane Hughes
Our Lady of the Spa- Olga Solar
Diana- Mikhaila Chaplin
Maria- Rielly Dickson
Annabella- Nicole Toum
Mama Maddalene- Jacinta Gregory
Olga Van Sturm- Rose McClelland
Heidi Van Sturm- Stephanie Troost
Gretchen Von Krupf- Jos Markerink
Production Team:
Jonathan Rush- Director
Alexander Norden- Music Director
Natasha Heyward- Choreographer
Chloe Pryce- Producer
Lighting Designer- Maddie Houlbrook –Walk
Costume Advisor-Bronwyn Hicks