It's very vogue for Hollywood to buy the rights to a wildly successful musical, bejewel it with stars, and plaster it on big screens the world over. It appears the musical Nine, written by Arthur Kopit, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, is the next batter up. Front Row Centre Players is giving Calgarians a chance to see the acclaimed musical.

The winner of seven Tony Awards and a myriad of nominations and praise, Nine is a triumph of musical theatre. First opening on Broadway in 1982, with a phenomenally successful revival in 2003, it is a cheeky musical adaptation. Based on the autobiographical film 8 1/2 by Federico Fellini, Nine depicts the apex of personal crisis for filmmaker Guido Contini. Guido must face his wife, lovers, producer and critics as well as his own fears of creative lapse.

Guido's story explores his abstract creative process and the immaturity and genius that often characterize brilliant eccentrics. Brian Holiday, who has been with FRC for 12 years, plays Guido and clearly embraces his exhaustive role. "I'm really enjoying it, I'm onstage 98 per cent of the time. The biggest challenge is working within my head to keep track of the relationships and where I am in the story." Guido Contini shares the stage with many beautiful female characters, all of which have crossed paths with the narcissist and still yearn for his attention.

Refreshingly, the musical includes many strong female roles. Nine is rarely chosen for production by community theatre, but works very well for director Colleen Bishop, "It's a female-heavy cast, and there just aren't enough shows out there that have a wealth of female characters. There is nearly a four-to-one ratio of women to men in auditions, so a show like this is always a good idea."

Community theatre companies that want to draw a full house have to be savvy about the material they choose to showcase. It was Bishop who presented the idea of Nine to the board of FRC. “For the season opener, the board likes to do something a little out of the ordinary, something to challenge their audience. I want the audience to really love the music, it's why I wanted to do the show."

Yeston's music and lyrics for Nine are memorable and bewitching. The women's chorus light up the transitions — it's almost as if Guido is at once the victim and the eager conductor of the dazzling cacophony. In the first act, Guido Contini performs "Guido's Song" like the confused imp he is. Also, "My Husband Makes Movies" is a very touching piece sung by Louisa, Guido's wife. Her songs reveal a woman who lives with the heartbreak of her husband's infidelities. “The character Louisa Contini has some stunning solos,” says Bishop. “Ultimately, Nine is a comedy, but some of the songs will maybe make you choke up a little."

Right now, Bishop is more concerned about where FRC will be able to work in the future. Sadly, Canada Lands Company is going to demolish Community Arts Space (located in the Currie Barracks, where FRC operates) in favour of condominiums. The FRC is one of 12 theatre and arts groups who invested in converting the building for rehearsal and production use. The theatre company may have to implement a small ticket surcharge in the near future to help assist in the search for its next Community Arts Space.

Until then, Front Row Center Players will continue to provide worthwhile, thought-provoking and entertaining theatre. Nine is a show that fits the bill. Calgarians are fortunate to be able to experience Nine in the Pumphouse Theatres’ intimate setting. Bishop smiles and says, "I'm glad this one is coming out before the movie. It's important for a show like this to have no Hollywood preconceptions."