Thespian Thoughts – Theatre Review of NINE (Doma Theatre Company) by Sandro Monetti
NINE – “Hot blooded musical Nine gets a ten out of ten from this critic.”
Reviewed by SANDRO MONETTI
A bellissimo experience is delivered by the Doma Theatre Company’s stylish staging of the multiple Tony Award winning musical set in elegant 1960s Italy.
The story of a world famous but womanizing moviemaker struggling to balance the various ladies in his life while coming up with a plot for his next film is in the expert hands of LA theatre veteran Marco Gomez, who directs with imagination and intelligence.
All of his performers are given, and take, the opportunity to shine but Melissa Anjose as spurned wife Luisa Contini is the standout in terms of stage presence and knowing how to really deliver a song. The talent runs deep in this cast with supporting players like Amy Garbett and Ra-Shawn Durell especially impressive.
Special praise too for costume designer Irvin Jiminez whose lively creations make the show, which was inspired by Fellini movie 8 1/2, even more vibrant, most especially in the sexy showstopping number, Be Italian.
If you were disappointed by the surprisingly lackluster 2009 movie version of Nine, you’ll see Maury Yeston’s music and lyrics translated much better to the stage in this fast moving, fun and unforgettable piece of theatre.
NINE is performed July 12-August 18 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm at The Met Theatre, 1089 North Oxford Street, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Tickets priced $30 general admission, $20 for seniors and students with ID, are available from Doma Theatre or by calling 323-802-4990
A Doma Theatre Company production, Nine stars David Michael Trevino as Guido, Melissa Anjose as Luisa, Lovlee Carroll as Carla, Toni Smith as Claudia, Emilia Sotelo as Liliane, Andrea Arvanigian as Stephanie and Liza Baron as Saraghina. The director and executive producer is Marco Gomez. Chris Raymond is the Musical Director. Music and lyrics by Maury Yeston. Book by Arthur Kopit.
Thespian Thoughts is an article on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay production.