Nine:Based on the book by Arthur KopitMusic and Lyrics by Maury YestonAdaptation from the Italian by Mario Fratti. Edmonton production directed by Kristen M. FinlayNine, inspired by Director Federico Fellini’s life and his film 8 ½, will run from July 4 -14 at the Walterdale. I had the opportunity to get a glimpse into the production and I have to say that after what  I saw last night I am excited about opening night.At first I was nervous since I am not familiar with the life or work of Federico Fellini (on whom main character Guido Contini is based), and I thought I would not be able to understand the story of the play—especially since I have never seen 8 ½. But Director Kirsten Finlay believes that while the movie is a nice complement to the play, it is not necessary to watch or understand it in order to enjoy Nine: “I understood 8 1/2 a lot better after working in Nine, I think they are interesting companions but not exclusive. Nine tells the story very clearly, and it’s fun. There are some numbers in which you will be laughing.”

So what is the story?

Guido Contini is a middle age man who is going through a mid-life crisis, a man that does not worry about how he treats people, an over-the-top artist, and “a genius who is still a boy,” as actor Cory Christensen described him. Although it has been a challenge to portray a character so different from his own personality, Cory has found the experience to be cathartic and fun. Nine will allow us to have a glimpse into the mind of a genius, and explore the way in which imagination, memory, and fact, affect us.

In the play, we will get to see many things that are not happening in Guido’s physical reality but in his mind. Some events will be memories, and some will be created purely by Guido’s imagination. I am particularly excited to see how this effect will be achieved—although Director Finlay fully trusts that the cast will make it clear when their character is a memory, a real person, or imagined by Guido. For Finlay, the play is worth seeing so the audience gets to enjoy and experience such powerful performances of the people involved in the production: “It is a treat as a director to be able to work with them, and I think it’s a treat for the audience to be able to see what they can do on stage.”

Not only must I agree with the talent of the cast, especially as I watched actress Erika Noot in the role of Guido’s mistress (Carla Albanese) do elaborate movements on a dancing pole while still having enough breath to sing, the songs and message in Nine will be worth the 2 hours and 15 minutes of play. According to Noot, the songs are so powerful, and the characters so engaging, that the audience will be able to identify themselves with them at different points throughout the play: “The play is about relationships, and about what not to do in them.”

I am excitedly awaiting for opening night, as I wish to discover what the different women in Guido’s life bring to him and to his work, how they influence him, and most of all how they live both within and outside Guido. After what I heard and saw last night, I believe that Nine is an insightful play with a talented cast.

And I must mention: there is air conditioning in the theatre!

Nine will be running July 4-7, 10-14 @ 8pm ; July 8 @ 2pm

Thursday, July 5 is 2-for-1 Thursday (at the door only)

Monday, July 2 is Student Night

Tickets: $14-$18 at TIX on the Square and at the door, one hour before showtime (cash only).