‘Nine, the Musical’ ends IU theater season

The musical opening Friday at the Ruth N. Halls Theatre will take its audience somewhere outside of reality, says graduate student John Armstrong.\nTony Award-winning “Nine, the Musical” follows the story of an Italian film director named Guido Contini, played by Armstrong. The musical is based on Federico Fellini’s Italian film “8 1/2.”\n“The show takes place like a dream,” Armstrong said. Many things happen simultaneously on stage, and a lot of the action takes place in Guido’s mind, he said.\n“Guido is a lost soul,” Armstrong said. The character loses his muse and tries to reclaim it by manipulating the people around him, he said. Guido eventually learns what is truly important, Armstrong said. \nThe musical features strong dramatic sequences and well-drawn characters that audience members will enjoy, he said. Like life, the show is a mix between tragic and comedic moments, he added.\nNot only will “Nine” be Armstrong’s final performance on an IU stage, the show is his ninth production with George Pinney, the musical’s director and associate professor of stage movement and musical theater.\nArmstrong said he has enjoyed his last rehearsal process with Pinney.\n“It’s great to come full circle (at IU) with someone I respect,” he said. \n“Nine, the Musical” will show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Monday, April 16, through Saturday, April 21, at the Ruth N. Halls Theatre.\nTicket prices are $18 for adults and $14 for students, seniors and anyone 30 and younger (discounts Monday through Thursday). Student rush tickets are also available. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the IU Auditorium box office. For more information visit www.theatre.indiana.edu.