In a very unusual way, Nine will extend its run in Buenos Aires until September 6.

A few days after his decision to close the Buenos Aires production of Maury Yeston's Nine Aug. 9, Producer Gustavo Levit decided to keep the show running until its originally-scheduled closing date, Sept. 6.

He made no statement about this change of plans. Previously, he had said that the show was losing money.

The Buenos Aires production of Maury Yeston's Nine, opened on May 7 after traveling a long and winding road. Producer Gustavo Levit bought the rights to the play after seeing a London Donmar Warehouse Theatre production in 1996. He signed Argentine actor Gerardo Romano to play Guido Contini, held a well-publicized casting call for the 15 women of the chorus, then suspended the production.

At the beginning of this year, he got the project on the march again. However, one month before its opening, actor Gerardo Romano retired from the show, claiming that he wasn't able to sing the songs in their original keys. Actor Juan Darthes was brought in as a last-minute replacement, and in less than four weeks he had to get into the skin of Contini. The cast also includes Luz Kerz as Liliane Lafleur, Andrea Cantoni as Luisa Contini and Sandra Ballesteros as Carla.

The musical was directed by London Director David Leveaux, with sets and costumes by Anthony Ward, and choreography by Jonathan Butterell. The vocal direction is by Miguel Gomez Carrillo and the musical direction is by Omar Cyrulnik.

Nine is playing at the Metropolitan Theatre 2, Corrientes Ave. 1343. For information call 371-1064. Performances are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30 PM; Saturday 8 PM and 10:45 PM; and Sunday 8:30 PM.

-- By Marcelo Kotliar
Argentine Correspondent