Nine, Maury Yeston's musical adaptation of Fellini's 8 1/2, which won the 1982 Tony Award as Best Musical, will make its long-delayed London debut this December at Donmar Warehouse Theatre.
Variety newspaper reported June 24 that Kevin Kline is being considered for the central role of Contini, the role originated by Raul Julia.
In place of Broadway director Tommy Tune, David Leveaux (who staged Anna Christie at Roundabout Theatre on Broadway) will stage the London Nine, which previews Dec. 6 and opens a six-to eight-week run Dec. 12.
The musical tells the story of a famous Italian film director Guido Contini (the only man in the show) who is going into production of his new movie -- but has no idea what it's going to be about. The musical examines his flawed relationships with the many women in his life, and his struggle to act his age (40) instead of . . . 9.
Nine fans may be disappointed to hear that Jonathan Pryce, who starred in an acclaimed June 1992 concert version at Royal Festival Hall, is not in contention for the West End production. The spokesperson would not say whether anyone else from the concert (which included Ann Crumb and Anita Dobson) would participate. Donmar's production of Stephen Sondheim's Company transferred to the West End this season, but is scheduled to close June 29. The theatre's current production of Habeus Corpus received enthusiastic reviews and is currently selling out.
Here is the rest of Donmar's upcoming schedule, current as of June 17, 1996:
* Hedda Gabler - A visiting production of Henrik Ibsen's drama by English Touring Theatre (July 30-Aug. 31).
* TBA for September.
* Fool for Love - Sam Shepard's drama, directed by Ian Brown, outgoing artistic director of Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre. (Oct. 3 previews; Oct. 10 opening).
* Nine (Dec. 6 previews; Dec. 12 opening).
