Landless Theatre Company Presents NINE in DC

The Landless Theatre Company brings Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit’s award winning musical Nine to Washington, DC in the first local production since the Tony Award winning Broadway revival in 2003. The production will be presented on the stage of the beautiful, newly renovated GALA Hispanic Theatre at Tivoli in Washington’s Columbia Heights, which opened its’ doors in January. The musical, based on Fellini’s film, 8 ½, features an almost all-female cast and a brilliant score including “Unusual Way,” “My Husband Makes Movies,” and “Simple.” Landless’ unique production will combine music, theatre, and film in tribute to Fellini’s influence.

The production is directed by Asha Srinivasan (Peabody Conservatory) and features a cast of dynamic local talent with Landless’ Artistic Director Andrew Lloyd Baughman starring as Guido Contini and 15 local actresses including Julie Herber, Jen Morris, and Casie Platt as the various women in his life. Nine – The Musical runs March 17 – April 17 at the newly renovated GALA Hispanic Theatre at Tivoli in Columbia Heights.

Landless Theatre Company is one of the first local theatre companies to perform at the recently opened GALA Hispanic Theatre at Tivoli in the heart of DC’s historic Columbia Heights.

“We are thrilled to present one of the first productions at this gorgeous new theatre,” Baughman said. “Part of Landless’ mission is to find theatre spaces that compliment our material, and you could not find a better venue for the Italian influenced Nine. Walking into the Tivoli is like strolling around Europe.”

Nine tells the story of Guido Contini, a brilliant and successful filmmaker, who is plagued by his impending middle age, writer’s block, the insatiable press, and the many women in his life whom he yearns to escape and yet continues to turn to for inspiration. The plot is based on Fellini’s film 8 ½ and was adapted for the stage by Arthur Kopit.

“While Nine is based on Fellini's 8 ½, the creative team had never seen a production that was particularly influenced by his film,” Baughman said. “Our concept is to tie Fellini's life work and style into the production through incorporation of original ‘Fellini-esque’ film footage by local film director/producer Hilarey Kirsner. It is our hope that this production will appeal to film buffs along with lovers of musical theatre.”

Director Asha Srinivasan has intently studied Fellini’s life and work in order to bring his influence and style into the production, especially through the character of Guido and the relationships he has with the various women he encounters throughout his life.

“Through Fellini’s eyes, Guido represents a man we love to hate, a man we pity and condemn,” Srinivasan said. “As a man, Guido makes us question love, relationships, monogamy, and societal taboos. As an artist, he makes us consider the source of inspiration; can it run out? What is, or should be, the relationship of the artist’s life and his personal life? Nine presents these powerful questions in a beautiful and humorous world of music and drama.”

Nine – The Musical will run March 17 through April 17, 2005 on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 PM with one Sunday evening performance on April 10 at 8:00 PM. Pay-what-you-can preview night is Thursday, March 17 at 8:00 PM. Press night is Saturday, March 19 at 8:00 PM with an opening night reception to follow the performance. All performances are held at the at the newly renovated GALA Hispanic Theatre at Tivoli located at 3303 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010. Tickets are $20.00 each and can be purchased online at www.landlesstheatre.org or by calling (301) 613-7133.