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. |
