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.
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