The Sound of Luker: Broadway's Nine Gets New Claudia, Sept. 2

By Ernio Hernandez
02 Sep 2003

Rebecca Luker becomes the new Claudia in the Roundabout Theatre Company's Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of Nine on Sept. 2. She replaces the departed Laura Benanti.

The actress was last seen on Broadway in the revival of The Music Man. Benanti left to start rehearsals for her role in the upcoming Richard Greenberg new drama The Violet Hour.

Luker was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in The Music Man, as she was for Show Boat. Her other roles include The Secret Garden and The Sound of Music. Ironically, Benanti replaced her in the latter role.

Mary Stuart Masterson and Chita Rivera continue with the show. Tony Award nominee Antonio Banderas and Tony Award winner Jane Krakowski are scheduled to leave the show Oct. 5. John Stamos has been mentioned for the Banderas role. Tickets are currently available for the Roundabout Theater Company staging through Jan. 4, 2004.

Nine began performances at Broadway's Eugene O'Neill Theatre March 21 and opened April 10 for a limited run originally scheduled through June 29.

Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway revival of Nine, plays at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, 230 West 49 St. For tickets, call (212) 239-6200 or click here.