Barbara Mantini takes the stage in Nine in Concert
Welland actor and musician Barbara Mantini is taking the stage in the Tony Award- winning musical Nine in Concert.
Nine tells the story of the life of world- famous film director Guido Contini, who is preparing for his latest film. The concert follows him through his balancing of work and numerous women, as well as his fear of turning 40.
Mantini plays his mother. During the show Contini faces a nervous breakdown, a fragile state of mind and flashbacks to his life as a nine- year- old boy.
Mantini said she is looking forward to perform in Toronto in the full- orchestra concert version of the musical Nine. There are no set changes during the show, but there will be a 32- piece orchestra, singing and dialogue.
Mark Camilleri, director and producer, said Nine deserves to be heard with a full orchestra — the way it is meant to be produced.
Mantini agreed saying the “music is gorgeous and the orchestra is crazy beautiful.”
When it comes to Mantini’s performance, Camilleri said she is a perfect fit for the character. Nine tells the story of an Italian family and Camilleri said Mantini comes from a large Italian family, so she can understand the character better.
Mantini has been perfecting her character over the past few months, including to work on her Italian accent to add to the character.
Camilleri joked if Mantini’s mother could sing they would have chosen her over Mantini because her mother is Italian with a thick Italian accent. He said, in all seriousness, Mantini will do a great job with the role because she not only understands the dynamics of an Italian family, but also speaks Italian.
“The most important thing is hiring the right people … We need people who can work fast,” he said.
Although the musicians and actors have had the script and music since last April, the cast won’t rehearse together until now — the week of the performance. Camilleri said performers and musicians will only have two and a half days of rehearsal together.
Podium Concert Productions is presenting the concert. It will be performed Friday at 7: 30 p. m. and Saturday at 2 p. m. and 7: 30 p. m.. Tickets to the show, at Trinity St. Paul’s Centre, are available by calling 647- 800- 4745. Groups of eight or more will receive a 20 per cent discount if they contact Podium Concert at info@ podiumconcerts.com or by calling 416- 999- 1375.