A major production of Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit's biggest success "Nine", based on the 1963 Federico Fellini film "8½", hasn't been seen in over 20 years, and judging by the grand scale, enormous talent and glorious execution of Yeston's score on display at the Lowry during this concert production, you have to wonder why it's been so long since it was last seen in a professional setting. Perhaps the inherent grandeur and luxury associated with it presents too big a challenge for most theatre directors to tackle; apparently not for William Whelton and Joseph Houston, who have once again proven why Hope Mill are such trailblazers in the world of regional theatre.
"Nine" tells the story of filmmaker Guido Contini, who is suffering a midlife crisis with the approach of his 40th birthday, and this in turn hampers his creative output, with several of his most recent pictures having been flops, and only complicated by the complex labyrinth of romantic interest he has to navigate in early 1960s Venice. To get the one glaring piece of critique out the way nice and early, the plot itself overall is a little lukewarm, and by the end feels like it fizzles out a little, which, given the overtly passionate and romantically charged, is a little disappointing.
This, however, is very much a minor niggle, as the character work and relationships we explore are simply breathtaking, and we certainly get plenty of passion, not only from the quality of Yeston's beautifully composed, Italian opera-inspired score, but from its performance by this supremely talented leading, supporting and ensemble cast. The deeply personal, intimate journey into Contini's personal life on which we are taken is nothing short of exquisite, as he is presented as more than your typical "Casanova" type, with his recollection of his childhood relationship with his mother proving particularly moving.
There are few performers with the musical and emotional depth of Ramin Karimloo, whose performance as Guido Contini was beautifully well balanced and emotionally mature, as he once again displays why he's one of the finest musical theatre performers of his generation. Alongside him, playing the nine-year-old iteration of the character, Joel Tennant showed musical aptitude and vocal control beyond his young years, and is absolutely one to watch for the future.
Victoria Hamilton-Barritt portrayed Guido's long-suffering wife Luisa with gumption, wit and sincerity, with her stirring rendition of "Be On Your Own" in the second act enough to melt even the coldest heart. Other highlights include Danielle Steers as Saraghina, who is such a phenomenal talent it feels cruel that she has so little time on stage; Melissa James also gave a terrific, layered performance as Claudia, and Ruthie Henshall is a perennial delight as Liliane la Fleur.
There was a definite pick of the day for me though, and Zizi Strallen was simply irresistible with her sultry, seductive take on the role of Carla charming the socks off of everyone on and off stage. After having seen her as Mary Poppins, one would have to conclude that it's fair to say that Strallen has superb range as a performer. And a special mention has to be afforded to the ensemble, a whole host of triple threats dazzling us whenever they took to the stage. Add into the mix the delicious, sumptuous sounding orchestra of around 20 players, and you can't deny that this is one of the musical events of the year.
★★★★☆
Nine: The Musical played at the Lyric Theatre at the Lowry, Salford on the 1st and 2nd of February 2025.
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