BWW Reviews: 'Be Italian' at NINE in East Islip, Long Island

"Nine", presented by the BroadHollow Theatre Company, proved to be a great incarnation of a Broadway favorite. The cast, directed by Jason Allyn, sounded excellent, the set was fantastic, and the costumes were beautiful. Now playing through March 11th at BayWay in Islip, this production will also be presented at their Elmont location starting March 17th.

As a veteran of the Long Island theatre scene, Chris Dufrenoy did a superb job leading the cast as Guido, a womanizing film director trying to hang on to his crumbling life. Guido is married to Luisa, played by Tamralynn Dorsa. Unfortunately, they are estranged because Guido is easily tempted by "the beautiful people" constantly surrounding him and he doesn't stop himself from acting on his fondness of the ladies. Some of these “other women" include Carla (played by Jaclyn Casano) and Claudia (played by Nicole Intravia) among others.

Rounding out the rest of the fantastic cast is Amy Connor (Lillian LaFleure), Lindsay DeFranco (Stefanie Necrophrous), Ashley Holmes (Lady Of The Spa), Kristen Keller (Guido's mother), Heather Gilchrist (Lina Darling), Kim Dufrenoy (Sarraghina), Kate Keating (Juliette/American Reporter), Dana Baudouin (Olga Van Sturm/German Reporter), Jes Almeida (Diana/British Reporter), Jacquelyn Cooper (Maria), Louisa Bikowski (Renata), Caitlyn Pratt (Annabella), Rochelle Martin (Sofia), and Christian Arma (Young Guido). In particular, Ashley Holmes with her stunning voice and the hilarious Amy Connor were exceptional.

Taking place at a spa villa in Italy, the set design was beautiful. A multi-level design, the earth tones and grand staircases on either side of the stage looked very elegant.

The music and choreography were excellent as well with a hint of “fosse" flavor. The performances of "My Husband Makes Movies" by Luisa and "Be Italian" by Sarraghina were well received. Also Chris Dufrenoy gave a powerful performance when he sang "I Can't Make This Movie".

If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience "Nine", this presentation at the BayWay is great to see. They have stayed true to the Broadway production and the cast is wonderful. Running through March 11^th, you’re invited to “be italian” and enjoy this great incarnation of “Nine”.

"Nine" is presented by the BroadHollow Theatre Group now playing through March 11th at BayWay Arts Center in East Islip, Long Island. Book by Arthur Kopit; Music by Maury Yeston; Directed and Costumes by Jason Allyn, Set Design by Bob Butterley, Lighting Design by Erick Creegan, Sound Design by Gary Haglich, Musical Direction by Donny Jones, Choreography by Dana Baudouin.

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