Transport Group's benefit performance of Nine: In Concert takes the stage at Kaufman Music Center's Merkin Hall June 26 at 8 PM. Tony winner Santino Fontana (Tootsie, Cinderella) stars as Guido. Transport Group Artistic Director Jack Cummings III directs the evening, part of the company's Anne L. Bernstein Concert Series.
Fontana is joined by Klea Blackhurst (Party Face), Lilli Cooper (Tootsie), Tony winner Christine Ebersole (Grey Gardens), Jessica Fontana (Cinderella), Julia Murney (The Wild Party), Alexandra Silber (Fiddler on the Roof), Emily Skinner (New York, New York), Elizabeth Stanley (Jagged Little Pill), Jessica Vosk (Wicked), and Vanessa Williams (POTUS).
The cast will also include Benjamin Pajak (Encores! Oliver!), playing Young Guido, plus Ethan Joseph (Tina), Matthew Lamb (NYTW’s Merrily We Roll Along), and Jayden Theophile (Caroline, or Change) as the Young Boys.
The vocal ensemble features Julia Adams, Erin Anderson, Gina Naomi Baez, Victoria Baroni, Elizabeth Brady, Brianna Brice, Katie Cox, McKenzie Custin, Madison Garcia, Sarah Killough, Gaby Mank, Alison McCartan, Emily Nies, Aubrie-Mei Rubel, Maureen Taylor, Stephanie Toups, Sophia Tzougros, and Katrina Wischusen.
Adapted from Federico Fellini's 1963 film 8 1/2, Nine has a book by Arthur Kopit and music and lyrics by Maury Yeston. Tommy Tune directed the original production, which opened in 1982, subsequently winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.
The evening, written by Hannah Oren, will also feature musical direction by Joey Chancey, who will conduct a 25-piece orchestra, performing the original Jonathan Tunick orchestrations. Attendees can also expect backstage stories and theatre lore about the original Broadway staging.
Nine composer Yeston and original Broadway cast member Karen Akers, Tony-nominated for creating the role of Luisa Contini, will take part in a Q&A following the concert.
Previous presentations in Transport’s Anne L. Bernstein Concert Series include Rodgers & Hammerstein: A Broadway Celebration; Sweet Charity; Promises, Promises; Man of La Mancha; Baby; Once Upon a Mattress; The Music Man; Peter Pan; and A Man of No Importance.
Proceeds from the evening support the Joanna and Steven Sanders New Works Program, Transport Group’s developmental arm that sees projects through from commission to full production.
For more information visit TransportGroup.org.
