Review by Robert Bedont, Front Row Reviewers
Hart Theater Company’s Nine, a musical based on the 1963 film 8½, the surrealist avant-garde Italian 1963 comedy-drama film directed and co-written by Federico Fellini, tells the midlife crisis of the famous Italian film director, Guido Contini (Diego Rodriguez). Contini’s last couple movies have been panned by the critics, and he is under pressure to make a return to form with his latest film. However, he hasn’t written a line of the script. In an attempt to create something noteworthy, Guido attempts to save both his career and his marriage.
Contini, wonderfully played by Rodriguez, facing his upcoming fortieth birthday, travels with his wife Luisa (Jin-Xiang Yu) to Venice. Her performance really draws in the audience – making the final “Go to Hell” very impactful after her husband hopes to salvage his broken marriage, and fails.
Director Amber Hanson does not shy away from using every nuance of the female experience to full effect. Instead of toning down aspects of sexuality in the show, Emily Wells shows fearless sensuality in the risqué number “Call from the Vatican.”
In Guido’s reminisce of his childhood and young adulthood, Young Guido (Shane Farber) sneaks out to the beach where the ensemble and the courtesan Saraghina (Becky Jeanne Knowles) dance for the young boy. The flashback shows the cause of Contini’s creativity, and penchant for chasing women, which proves to be his eventual peril.
The star of his movies, Claudia Nardi (Erin Royall Carlson), sings “Unusual Way” with passion and sadness. “Be On Your Own” is a powerful and heart-rending piece that touched me deeply. Guido’s wife’s exit at the end of the show is stunning.
The chemistry that Guido has with each of his lovers is very well thought out and executed. Each has their own style of touch and passion that accentuates their individual relationships. I loved the innocence of young Guido in “Getting Tall.” The tenderness the ensemble shows during the title number is a stand out and a strong contrast to the rather raunchy numbers before and after it.
Of note in the show is the wonderful choreography of Ashley Gardner Carlson. Working with a small stage and minimalist set design, the movement adds a creative and vivid physical element to the story. Kyle Esposito’s lighting design also adds subtle but noticeable nuance to the emotions portrayed in each number. And you can never go wrong with a wonderful live orchestra. Vocal Director Anne Pusey brings the cast the finest touch to this musical. Pure magic.
Nine is a wonderful dramatic show that explores innocence and innovation, love and lust, and betrayal and change.
Please be advised of language and sexual content.
The Hart Theater Company presents Nine, by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit.
August 18-24, 2023 at the Midvalley Performing Arts Center, 2525 Taylorsville Blvd, Taylorsville, Utah 84129
September 1-10, 2023
Egyptian Theater, 328 Main Street in Park City, Utah 84060
Tickets: $30
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