Nine

Character Breakdown

Guido Contini – Celebrated Italian Film Director, married to Luisa, lover to Carla and many in the past. He is torn apart mentally by his career, home and life. Baritone/Tenor

Little Guido, 9 – 11. Guido as a child, as well as the inner voice for the adult Guido.

Luisa Contini – Guido’s wife. Formerly an actress. She is fed up with Guido’s philandering and inattention and is considering a divorce. A strong, resilient woman, accustomed to pretending everything is fine. (Contralto with strong mid-range: low E to Cb above middle C)

Carla – Guido’s mistress A blast from the past who continuously shows up at inopportune moments in Guido’s life. A big, fun personality. She wants to be the one Guido chooses. (Mezzo soprano: E, two above middle C (+ requires vocal gliss up & down from high C)

Claudia – Guido’s protege. A movie star. She has a romantic history with Guido, but has moved on with her life and wants him to move on too. (Mezzo soprano: E, two above middle C)

Guido’s Mother – Part angel, part nun who represents the “good” to Guido (Soprano – Ab, two above middle C)

Liliane LaFleur – Guido’s French producer and former star of the famous Folies Bergere. She is eccentric and bigger than life. She wants his next film to be a musical and has already invested money in it. (Alto – low G to B above middle C) French Accent

Lina Darling – LaFluer’s mysterious accomplice. (Any Voice Type)

Stephanie Necrophorus – A film critic who has been particularly hard on Guido’s films in the past. (Alto – up to B above middle C)

Our Lady of the Spa – Works at the Fontane Di Luna Spa (Alto – E, two above middle C)

Mama Maddelena – Head chambermaid, bossy and fun (Mezzo Soprano – low G to A, two above middle C)

Sarraghina – A prostitute Guido visits as a child to learn about love and women. (Contralto – strong low G to G above middle C)

The Italians – to play Diana, Maria, Francesca, Renata, A Venetian gondolier, Nuns, Follies Girls, Fans, Etc (All vocal ranges needed)

The Germans – To play Olga Von Sturm, Heidi Von Sturm, Ilsa Von Hesse, Gretchen Von Krupf , Nuns, Reporters etc (All vocal ranges needed)

Guido’s three Schoolmates (playing age 9)