A spokesperson for the Massachusetts theatre confirmed that Newman will portray filmmaker Guido Contini in the award-winning musical. Nine, featuring a Tony-winning score by Maury Yeston, will play the North Shore Aug. 24-Sept. 12. Barry Ivan will direct the musical that concerns the life of a Fellini-esque director and such tunes as "Be Italian," "Unusual Way," "Be on Your Own," "My Husband Makes Movies" and "The Bells of St. Sebastian." The 1982 Broadway production cast Raul Julia as Contini; the recent Broadway revival featured film star Antonio Banderas in the lead role. Robert Newman portrays Joshua Lewis on "The Guiding Light." He joined the CBS daytime drama in 1981. Newman has also worked extensively in Los Angeles theatre, playing lead roles in Bye, Bye Birdie; Guys and Dolls; The Robber Bridegroom; Veronica's Room; The Rainmaker; and The Fantasticks. He was seen Off-Broadway in Quiet on the Set, and his other theatre credits include Betty the Yeti, Sylvia, Damn Yankees, Carousel, Barefoot in the Park, My Fair Lady, Picnic and The Elephant Man. Newman was nominated for a 2002 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.
The North Shore Music Theatre is located in Beverly, MA at 62 Dunham Road. Call (978) 232-7200 for more information or visit the theatre on line at www.nsmt.org.