Costa Mesa Playhouse to Present NINE

For the first musical of its 51st season, the Costa Mesa Playhouse presents "Nine," based on auteur Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini's Oscar-winning, semi-autobiographical masterpiece, "8½." With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston ("Titanic") and a book by acclaimed playwright Arthur Kopit ("Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feelin' So Sad"), this sultry and enchanting musical follows the life of world famous director Guido Contini as he prepares his latest picture and balances the numerous women in his life. Drifting toward a nervous breakdown, Contini falls into nostalgic reverie, eventually focusing on the formative sexual encounter of his life, which occurred at the age of nine.

The original Broadway production, starring Raul Julia, opened in 1982 and won five Tony Awards, including best musical. In 2003 it won another Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.

Directed by David A. Blair (who last year directed "Bonnie & Clyde"), with musical direction by Todd Hulet, "Nine" stars William Crisp as Guido, and co-stars Jennifer 'Murphy' Pearce, Rihana Terrell, Araceli Applegate, Patty Zantos, Rose London, Stephanie Thomas, Jessica-Elisabeth, Rebecca Butkivich, Holly Griffin, Victoria Durham, Kelly Lynne Harris, Lauren Shoemaker, Tracey Dorame, Sandy McDaniel-Laughlin and Joan Meissenburg.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm, February 12 through March 12, with an additional performance Monday, March 7 at 8pm. The first performance, Friday, Feb. 12, is a preview for which all seats are $18. Our official opening night Gala, with catered reception, is Saturday, Feb. 13. Tickets for the Gala are $22 general and $20 for seniors & students. For all other performance, tickets are $20 and $18. Groups of 10 or more are $13 each. Reservations can be made at www.costamesaplayhouse.com or by calling 949-650-5269. The playhouse is located at 661 Hamilton Street in Costa Mesa.