Called Up: Jenna Elfman Joins Nine as New Mistress, Oct. 7: Masterson Stays

By Ernio Hernandez
05 Sep 2003

Jenna Elfman.
Jenna Elfman.

Jenna Elfman makes her Broadway debut as she joins the cast of Nine Oct. 7 with the previously announced John Stamos. The actress replaces Tony Award winner Jane Krakowski, known for her daring aerial entrance in the "A Call From the Vatican" number. Krakowsi exits with Antonio Banderas and Chita Rivera, Oct. 5.

Mary Stuart Masterson, who was set to exit Oct. 5 with her original co-stars, according to the actress' agent, has extended her stay with the Tony Award-winning revival through Jan. 4, 2004.

Elfman, known to television audiences as the wild wife on "Dharma and Greg," was the first actress mentioned for the title role in the Broadway-bound revival of Sweet Charity to be produced by Barry and Fran Weissler and Clear Channel Entertainment. Marisa Tomei was later announced for the show's workshop, but, in an ironic twist, was replaced by Krakowski.

Elfman, also a classically trained ballerina, has appeared in such films as "Grosse Pointe Blank," "Can't Hardly Wait," "Edtv," "Keeping the Faith" and "Town and Country." She will be seen next in "Looney Tunes: Back in Action," set for a Nov. 14 release.

The new David Leveaux staging of Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit's Nine began at Broadway's Eugene O'Neill Theatre March 21 and opened April 10 with Banderas opposite a cast of women including Chita Rivera, Jane Krakowski, Laura Benanti and Mary Stuart Masterson. The show was originally scheduled for a limited run through June 29.

Banderas, Krakowski and Rivera will play their final performance, Oct. 5. Original star Benanti was replaced by Rebecca Luker in the role of film star Claudia, Sept. 2. No replacement for Rivera has yet been announced.

Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway revival of Nine, plays at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, 230 West 49 St. Tickets are currently available for dates through Jan. 4, 2004. For tickets, call (212) 239-6200 or click here.