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| re: Memories of the original production of NINE | |
| Last Edit: EvFoDr 12:21 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| Posted by: EvFoDr 12:20 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Memories of the original production of NINE - bearcat 10:42 am EDT 06/25/18 | |
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| I never saw the original, but I did see the recording at the Lincoln Center library, which based on it not being the full original cast was done later in the run. I must say I was surprised I didn't enjoy it more. I count Nine in my top fave Broadway shows of all time, based on recordings, clips, seeing local productions, the Broadway revival, etc. I first discovered the OBCR about 25 years ago and I never tire of listening to it. Which is to say I love Nine A LOT. But I wasn't seeing the magic in the video that I had always heard about. I felt Anita Morris was mugging terribly. Maureen McGovern was just not nearly as unique and interesting as Karen Akers. I didn't find the replacement Claudia (not sure who was in the video) all the compelling either. I think a lot of what made the staging must have been lost on video. And that's fine. It's not meant to be a video! But this experience may indicate it was diminished over time. But geez, even writing this post makes me want to get it out and listen right now! :-) | |
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| re: Memories of the original production of NINE | |
| Posted by: AlanScott 07:14 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Memories of the original production of NINE - EvFoDr 12:20 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
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| It seems that Kim Criswell is Claudia in the TOFT video. Linking the page for it below. I'll be something of a minority voice here. I saw the original production late in previews, after it had been frozen, probably on a critics' night. I thought it started wonderfully, but I found it less and less compelling after the first 20 minutes or so. I think too many numbers have lyrics that don't accomplish much. The whole thing just doesn't go anywhere very interesting, despite some very good music. I enjoy the 2-CD version of the cast recording a lot, although even on the recording there are numbers that just make me feel like nothing much is going on and it's going on for a long time. Honestly, Shelly Burch wasn't compelling as Claudia either. I'm not sure anyone could be. The rest of the cast was terrific, especially Julia and, of course, Morris was extraordinary. Even in previews, Julis was having problems with the upper reaches of the score, but his acting was brilliant, all you could hope for in the role. |
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| Link | TOFT Nine video |
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| re: Memories of the original production of NINE | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 12:46 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Memories of the original production of NINE - AlanScott 07:14 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
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| Honestly, Shelly Burch wasn't compelling as Claudia either. I'm not sure anyone could be. It's a tough role. She's only onstage for a relatively short time, and she spends almost all of it trying to fight Guido's idealized image of her, instead of us really getting to know her as herself. However, "Unusual Way" is a gorgeous song, and I find her dialogue during "Simple" to be very moving in context of the moment. |
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| re: Memories of the original production of NINE | |
| Last Edit: PlayWiz 08:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| Posted by: PlayWiz 08:43 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Memories of the original production of NINE - AlanScott 07:14 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
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| I wonder why they didn't lower the keys for Julia, who struggled at times during the several times I saw him in the show. I remember chatting with someone at Sardi's (whose portrait was hanging on the wall!) who said that it was something of a standard practice to put keys for performers slightly above their optimum tessitura. I never heard anyone else say this, but it was around the time of "Nine", and we were specifically discussing Raul Julia. I loved the show, btw. Anita Morris gave the sexiest performance by a woman I've ever seen in a show. In addition, her "Simple" in the 2nd act, not discussed as much as her "Phone Call from the Vatican" showpiece, was heartbreaking and beautifully sung. Lilliane Montevecchi was a bit inconsistent from show to show -- she could be great one performance, but less than that another time. Ms. Morris was very consistently terrific. Karen Akers had a very distinctive voice and presence which worked well for the show. It was a gorgeous production with everyone in black costumes, until the colorful "Grand Canal Sequene" and then everyone in white for the conclusion, along with the release of white doves for the curtain call. Plus, of course, the sung overture by the ladies, the great "Be Italian" number, the little boys (and young Guido's lovely "Being Tall"). It was a very memorable show, something I just took a chance on for a standing room ticket right before opening that turned out to be one of my favorite Broadway experiences. |
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