Costa Mesa Playhouse announces open auditions for the first musical production of its 2015-2016 season, “Nine,” based on the Federico Fellini film “8 ½,” about an Italian film director plagued by a creative block and a web of romantic difficulties. Director – David Blair. Open auditions are Monday, December 14th from 6pm-9pm and Tuesday, December 15th from 6pm-8pm. Callbacks will be Tuesday December 15th, 2015 from 8pm-10pm. All roles are open. No appointments necessary. All ethnicities welcome. There is no pay. Auditions will take place at the playhouse, 661 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa 92627 (949-650-5269). Questions may be directed to auditions@costamesaplayhouse.com.

Please prepare 2 contrasting songs in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided – bring sheet music in the correct key. Bring a complete list of your conflicts, and be prepared to read from the
script. Rehearsals will begin on January 4th, 2016 and will generally be every Monday-Thursday night from 7pm-10pm. The production runs February 12th-March 13th-every Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm.

Character Description:
Guido Contini (High Baritone with a good G – playing age late 30s to 40+) Italian Film Director, married to Luisa, lover to Carla and many in the past. He is torn apart mentally by his career and home life. Women fall all over him but he is not to be played as a predator but a man who can’t see the difference between work and play and will use sexuality to get what he wants. Most of his “conquests” have been in the name of work.

Little Guido (Boy Soprano, playing age 9) Guido as a child as well as the inner voice for Guido. Guardians must understand that the show has a “coming of age” scene that is PG-13.

Luisa Contini (Mezzo/Belt/Strong Low Notes, playing age 30s to 40s) Guido’s Wife. She is fed up with Guido’s philandering and inattention and is considering a divorce. She is very smart but clueless of what she has become.

Carla Albanese (Mezzo, playing age will vary depending on Guido, late 20’s to 40’s) Guido’s very sexy mistress who continuously shows up at inopportune moments in Guido’s life. She is married but will leave her husband for Guido, if only he will get a divorce as well. All she is to Guido is a diversion.

Claudia Nardi (High Mezzo with a Soprano quality, playing age 30’s to 40’s) Guido’s protégé, an actress who he wants to cast in his next film. She has a romantic history with Guido as well. She is like a Goddess. Almost too beautiful to touch.

Guido’s Mother (Soprano, playing age 60+) She is dead, but appears to Guido and offers him guidance. She is also in flashbacks.

Liliane La Fleur (Mezzo playing age 40+) Guido’s French producer and former star of the famous Folies Bergeres. She wants his next film to be a musical and has already invested money in it. She is very eccentric and bigger than life.

Lina Darling (No solo but sings with the chorus, playing age not determined) La Fleur’s accomplice. An intimidating woman. Very dark and mysterious.

Stephanie Necrophorus (Mezzo, playing age not determined) Writer who helps Guido with his movie, also a film critic who has been particularly hard on Guido’s films in the past. She is not turned on by Guido and lets him know.

Our Lady of the Spa (Soprano, playing age not determined) Works at the Fontane Di Luna.

Mama Maddelena (Mezzo 40+) Chief of the Chambermaids in the Fontane Di Luna Spa. She is part of the comic relief.

Sarraghina (Mezzo/Belt, playing age not determined) A prostitute Guido visits as a child to learn about love and women. The experience has a profound influence on his life. The actress in this roll cannot be shy about seducing young boys (on stage).

Guido’s three Schoolmates (Boy Sopranos, playing age 9) Guardians must understand that the show
has a “coming of age” scene that is PG-13.

His Italian Admirers: Diana, Maria, Francesca, Annabella, Giulietta, Renata, Gondolier. Vocal ranges vary from alto to soprano.

His German Admirers: Olga von Sturm, Heidi von Sturm, Ilsa von Hesse and Gretchen von Krupf. Vocal ranges vary from alto to soprano