The Westport Community Theatre Announces Nine, the Musical

The Westport Community Theatre is proudly presenting the Tony award-winning musical Nine, based on the book by Arthur Kopit, during the month of June. Seasoned director, Mark Graham is at the helm of this spectacular show produced by the experienced team of Sam Mink, Robert Watts and Donna McLaughlin Wyant, and choreographed by Carol Schweid.

Nine, which won a Tony Award in 1982 for best musical, delighted theatregoers in a hit revival starring Antonio Banderas in 2003, winning another Tony for best revival of a musical. Based on the Federico Fellini film, 8 1/2, Nine is the story of celebrated film director Guido Contini as he attempts to come up with the plot for his next film; all the while being pursued by countless beautiful women vying for his affection. The substance of his life becomes the basis for his next endeavor, a musical version of the Casanova story, revealed through multiple flashbacks. The New York Post called Nine, “A rich and thrilling night of theatre.”

Director Mark Graham is particularly appreciative of the opportunity to pair his theatrical experience with the skills of Carol Schweid as choreographer. “Nine is a very special musical that is rarely performed. I have wanted to direct it for years. Working with my friend and original Chorus Line cast member Carol Schweid as my choreographer, has enabled us to reimagine the musical in a very intimate and exciting way.”

Schweid has performed on Broadway in Minnie’s Boys, played Fastrada in Pippin for Bob Fosse, and was an original cast member of the Pulitzer Prize winning A Chorus Line, and in many off Broadway and regional plays and musicals. She has directed over 100 short plays in her role as Artistic Director of CT’s popular lunchtime play-reading series, Play With Your Food.

A Stratford resident, Graham has an MFA in directing from the University of Connecticut and extensive experience in the world of theatre. He has served on the boards of the Westport Country Playhouse and Playhouse on the Green, and additionally is a former president and board member of The Theatre Artists Workshop. For ten years, Graham was a producing partner of the late Tony Award winning producer Lester Osterman. He was general manager of Lucille Lortel’s White Barn Theater in Westport, CT and is one of the founding members of the Downtown Cabaret Theater in Bridgeport.

Graham deftly leads his cast of Beth Bria, Josie Bielmeier, Mia Cenholt-Haulund, Ainsley Dahlstrom, Lisa Dahlstrom, Nicholas Ferreira, Stephanie Ficarra, Karen Hanley, Sarah Hernandez, Robie Livingstone, Jodi Maxner, Lucia Palmieri, Bennett Pologe, Janice Rudolph, Betsey Simpson and Donna McLaughlin Wyant in the WCT production.

Nine performances are from June 5 through June 28, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays, with a Thursday performance on June 11 at 8:00 p.m. There is an extra matinee at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. Tickets are $28, $26 for seniors and students, and can be purchased at westportcommunitytheatre.com or by calling (203) 226-1983. Westport Community Theatre is located at 110 Myrtle Avenue in Westport.