How do you stand upside down? :P They probably had her in a harness or something... she squeals the note more than sings it so I can totally see it.
Nine is one of my top favorite musicals, right up there with any Sondheim. It's a brilliant score, unique and exciting, musically adventurous, utterly theatrical, rapturous, funny, deep. While Yeston's lyrics can be maudlin and strange at times, they can be everything else as well, which is what counts for me. I know it's superlative, but I lavish absolutely endless praise on this show. I loved it from my first listen, but nearly everyone I've ever talked to about it has said they didn't really get into it. I guess to each their own. But really, how can you not fall in love with songs like "My Husband Makes Movies", "Be Italian", "Unusual Way", "Getting Tall"? It's all so emotionally evocative.
I think the "problem" with Nine (why not as many people get into it) is because of the specificity of the story. It's very much about this man who has a particular problem that not everybody can relate to. I think anybody who is/aspires to be an artist will understand the comedy and tragedy of Guido's first dilemma. Anybody who is unable to commit to love will understand his second. I guess you really have to crack Nine's shell in some cases to see the juicy gooey tasty bits inside. But it's a perfectly written show. It's a play set to music, everything is finely integrated, subtle, and nearly every part offers a stunning opportunity for an actor.
I only have the cast recordings to go off of because I missed the revival (my personal tragedy) but I prefer the revival. I had the revival first but I find Raul Julia, while very authentically high minded Italian movie director, to be a taxing singer to listen to and to not have even 40% of the fun Antonio Banderas is obviously having in this role. All of the female singers without exception are better on the revival.
"Unusual Way" is a funny song because it's hard to sell. Have you heard Yeston sing it? He sings it like he's Elton John. But Laura found a way, and it's just gorgeous. Mary Stuart Masterson? Heart breaking. Everything about this show... *dies* It's full of introspection, it's sexy. It never sells out its ideals. I just wish Maury could rise up to Nine's level again. Titanic was gorgeous but flat. He has great music inside of him.
No, there are no belting women in it, but I for one am writing a letter to God to thank him for at least one more show where the women don't have to scream every note of every song. I like belting women too, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I like a little dynamic.
This is me getting really excited about a show.
I still fail to see how it's a concept musical though. I think the concepts are many and integrated into the show, it doesn't exactly revolve around them.
yr ronin,
joey
.gif?width=300)
