This version of Maury Yeston's Nine is so finely wrought that it deservedly won the 2003 Tony for Best Revival. While not a blockbuster, the original 1982 production, staged by Tommy Tune, was a nice success and allowed Raul Julia to make a splash as the only man in an otherwise entirely feminine cast. Inspired by Fellini's film 8 1/2, Nine succeeds in creating a strong male lead while parcelling out great songs to several different women. The mere fact that Antonio Banderas doesn't get eaten alive by the power cast around him (Chita Rivera, Mary Stuart Masterson, Jane Krakowski, and Laura Benanti) testifies to his charisma; even better, his singing is surprisingly confident ("Only with You" is downright sweet). And leave it to the Broadway pros to shine like diamonds: Listen, in particular, as Jane Krakowski steals the show with her sassy delivery of "A Call from the Vatican." You may need a cold shower after that one.
DISC 1: ACT 1
1. Overture Delle Donna / Spa Music / Not Since Chaplin
2. Guido's Song
3. Germans At The Spa, The
4. My Husband Makes Movies - (expanded version, contains previously unreleased material)
5. Call From The Vatican, A
6. Movie Themes - (first time on cd)
7. Only With You
8. Folies Bergere - (expanded version contains previously unreleased material)
9. Nine
10. Ti Voglio Bene/Be Italian
11. Bells Of St. Sebastian, The
DISC 2: ACT 2
1. Man Like You, A / Unusual Way / Duet - (expanded version, contains previously unreleased material)
2. Contini Submits I / Grand Canal II, The / Every Girl In Venice III / Marcia Di Ragazzi IV / Recit...
3. Simple
4. Be On Your Own
5. Not Since Chaplin (reprise): - (remix, stereo) / I Can't Make This Movie - (first time on cd)
6. Waltz From Nine
7. Getting Tall
8. Nine / Long Ago - (Reprise)
9. Germans At The Spa, The - (mono, first time on cd)
10. Unusual Way - (first time on cd)
11. Grand Canal, The - (mono, first time on cd)
Nine
