Playhouse 22 is looking for a diverse group of actors and singers of all ethnicities, body types, and backgrounds for its upcoming production of NINE. Most of the movement in NINE is musical staging unless otherwise stated in the character breakdown.
Auditions will be Sunday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 25 with invited callbacks on Thursday, March 27. All adult auditions will be 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. and held at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. If you are signing your child up to audition, please note that children will be seen on Sunday, March 23rd at 6pm only. Please prepare 32 bars in the style of the show that shows vocal range.
Please bring music in the correct key, accompaniment will be provided. Come prepared to move, as well.
Nine is a musical inspired by Federico Fellini's iconic film 8½. It tells the story of Guido Contini, a famous Italian film director, who struggles with a midlife crisis while balancing his career, personal relationships, and artistic vision. As he prepares for his next film, Guido is haunted by his past, including the women in his life—his wife, mistress, muse, mother, and others—who demand his attention and love. The musical explores themes of identity, love, and artistic creation, with a lush, emotionally charged score. Nine blends fantasy and reality, capturing the complexity of Guido's life and his search for redemption.
Directed by Tina Barone, Music Direction by Michael Ancona and Choreography by Alyssa Esposito.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
Adult Roles:
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Guido Contini: (40, could go younger or older) One of the greatest roles for an actor/ singer in modern day musical theater. A brilliant film director going through a midlife crisis. A lover of all women from his mistress to his wife to his mother. He is sexy, outrageous, strong, and vulnerable all at the same time. (Baritone\Tenor)
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Luisa Contini: Guido's wife, (30, can go younger or older) A former actress who is well aware of her husband's artistic genius and his infidelities. Loyal and steadfast, but nearing her wits end. (Alto)
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Carla: Guido's mistress (20s-30s) Young, sexy, smart, and very naive. Should move well, flexibility a plus. (Soprano with belt mix if possible).
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Claudia: Guido's Muse. (25 to 35) A movie star and Guido's former lover. The leading actress in all of his early films. (Mezzo Soprano)
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Guido's mother: The one woman Guido loves without deception. (Ageless) She is strong, loving, and extremely honest. She appears to Guido in memories of his past and predictions of his future. (Soprano)
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Liliane La Fleur: (40, Can go older) Guido's producer and former star of the Folies Bergere. A mature actress A true Diva and a cunning business woman. Speaks with a French accent. Should be able to handle minimal “ showgirl “ choreography or more. (Alto)
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Stephanie Necrophorus: (Any age) A film critic. Not a fan of Guido's work. A brutally honest, but says it with the smile of a cobra. (Alto)
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Saraghina: A voluptuous prostitute from Guido's past. (30-40, could go younger or older) A lusty Earth Mother who tells the young Guido about sex. Must have a good sense of rhythm and rhythmic movement. (Alto)
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Mama Maddalena: The manager of the spa. (30+) She is feisty and comical. (Alto) Our Lady of the spa: (Any age) A spiritual being. Guido's ethereal guide of the spa. (Soprano)
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Lina Darling: (Any age) Liliane La Fleur’s bodyguard: A sinister figure who could determine Guido's life or death. (Mezzo-soprano)
Youth Role:
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Young Guido: Guido at the age of 9. Guido's inner child who is ultimately his salvation. Must appear to be 9 years old on stage. Should be comfortable with movement. (Child soprano)
Ensemble Roles: (Adults 18+)
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The Italians: Maria, Giulietta, Annabella, Francesca, Diana, Renata: All roles have specific character traits and dialogue. All different types and vocal ranges, must be able to pick up choreography. Involved in larger dance numbers. (Varying Ages ok)
Playhouse 22 is a non-profit, volunteer-driven community theater group and no paid compensation will be provided.
Rehearsals will be 2-3 times per week (two weekday evenings, one day or evening on the weekends) with additional rehearsals as we get closer to Tech Week. Specific schedule will be dependent on the schedules of those cast.
Performances will be June 13-29, 2025, with performances on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m.
Questions can be sent to information@playhouse22.org.