"Josh Recommends" NINE with Central Florida Vocal Arts

Central Florida Vocal Arts presents
"NINE” with performances October 8, 9, and 10 

Congratulations to Producer Theresa Smith-Levin, Director Paul Castaneda and “Central Florida Vocal Arts,” for bringing us an intimate look at NINE, a long-running Broadway musical from the 90’s. While the audience remains masked at the Shakespeare Festival, it was a great joy to see the players choreographed in such a way that we could see the actor/singers without masks. Very loosely based on the life of Federico Fellini, in the musical we find Guido Contini, played here by Fredy Ruiz, as a famous Italian film director and infamous womanizer. Guido is struggling with a new film project as his recent productions have been failures with both critics and the public alike. As Guido nears a mental breakdown, the women who have raised, inspired and loved him, visit him in person -- and in his mind. We expect fine singing by CFVA, and we get it Big Time in the big cast of actress/singer/dancers.  

With Music Direction by Nishaa Johnson and Choreography by Shawn Lowe, Kari Ringer stands out as Carla as does Danielle Smith as Claudia. In a surprising tribute to the Folies Bergere, Natalie Doliner commands the stage along with bravos to costumier Coleen Carlson and choreographer Shawn Lowe for ‘creating’ the essence of the Folies on a small stage. In the end, allow yourself to sit back and enjoy those lush voices. The jury is still out on how far we’ve come in terms of female empowerment in society. 

For tickets, visit central-florida-vocal-arts.ticketleap.com

*Important note from the Shakespeare Theatre: Patrons aged 12 and older are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test at time of entry; Or -- In lieu of a negative test, patrons may present proof of vaccination.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators