Was NINE controversial when it was on Broadway?

[Nettik]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 12:55pm

I've recently fallen in love with the music of Nine, and I was wondering if it was a controversial show on Broadway at any point. In particular, I was curious how having child actors in the show was received, especially with the theme of how Guido's childhood affected him later in life.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 1:03pm

As I recall, the only controversy around NINE's original production was the decision by the Tony awards to replace Anita Morris' "Call From The Vatican" number with another number, because it seemed so naughty and sexual. The show's producers played up the controversy, even mentioning it in TV ads in a "too hot for TV!" kind of way.

Now I'm getting all sentimental for the late great Anita Morris.

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 1:07pm

It wasn't the least controversial. Although if the sexes had been reversed....

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 1:32pm

I was 17 in 1982 when the original Broadway production of NINE opened on Broadway and I can fully confirm the controversy of Anita Morris' now-legendary see-thru lace costume. It made tons of media coverage which helped the country become aware of NINE on Broadway, etc. I'm sure it helped sell tons of tickets as well.

I also remember reading in an article where Anita stated that the costume originally had a skin-toned lining that was uncomfortable for her so she simply removed it. She was literally naked on stage in that costume.

The now-legendary 1982 TV Spot/Commercial for NINE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djw7zZ2WbHU


Anita Morris in THAT costume:

[Nettik]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 1:57pm

I saw that costume in one of my theatre textbooks at some point, but didn't remember what show it was from! Thanks for the photo and the video link. Perfect example of how sex sells in any medium.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 3:13pm

I think that some of the controversy was manufactured. By 1982, Broadway had already been through advertising for "The Best Little Wh*rehouse in Texas" and "Oh! Calcutta!". While Whorehouse wasn't visual, there was a big stink about printing the word on the side of buses. Calcutta always had advertising that was controversial.

[newintown]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 3:21pm

Terrific as that catsuit was on Morris, it was no more revealing than a leotard or swimsuit. Broadway had plenty of full frontal nudity already by then, there was no shock. The reason the number wasn't used on the Tonys was because of the humping choreography.

The only controversy I recall was some people didn't understand (or like) what the show was about and some did.

[Jon]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 3:31pm

So instead, the Tony Awards featured "Be Italian", in which a whore puts little boy's hands on her breasts and thighs..

[newintown]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 3:55pm

I, too, Jon, couldn't quite figure out what kind of mind thought "Be Italian" was less racy than "A Call From the Vatican."

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 4:32pm

For those curious ones, here's video of Anita performing "A Call from the Vatican" in the actual show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjt9KMHZZ9k

Here's Jane Krakowski performing "A Call from the Vatican" in the 2003 Broadway revival:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvhMAw6gCDw

[PennybankBill]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 7:00pm

If they couldn't perform "A Call from the Vatican", they either could have performed "Overture Delle Donne/Not Since Charlie Chaplin" Using most of the cast or an intimate number like "My Husband Makes Movies" or "The Bells of St. Sebastian". I just would have loved to see Raul perform on the Tonys. I hated the fact that they performed "Be Italian" on the Tonys more than it was performed by Fergie in the film!

[Okayfine]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 8:46pm

Ms. Morris gave a sort of demonstration/press conference where she showed what the Tony producers objected to. She said they said her vocalizations we "orgasmic" & that was the problem.

[PennybankBill]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 9:00pm

I would also consider the vocalizations in Glitter and Be Gay from CANDIDE orgasmic.

[chewy5000]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 9:31pm

Not to mention Patti's Rose's Turn

Meanwhile, is there any footage available online of "The Grand Canal" from the revival? Updated On: 6/28/11 at 09:31 PM

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 7/4/11 at 9:48am

Never thought about this, and it certainly goes to the heart's of OP's question, which was not about the controversy over Anita Morris's television appearance, but about pedophilia.

I think there are two reasons it was not seen as alarming.

One is that the musical is based on a beloved film and the sexual initiation of a child is part of it.

The other is that it is a young boy with a prostitute, and in Italy a long time ago. If it were a young girl with an gigolo or roue, in the U.S., and or set contempt, it would have been seen as a much different thing.
Updated On: 7/4/11 at 09:48 AM