Footlights; 'Nine,' 'Richard Iii' Showcased Strong Student Performances

Summary

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'Cripple of Inishmaan' to open this weekend

The musical Nine, which wrapped up a sold-out, two-week run at Wright State University last weekend, isn't blessed with a great book, a compelling central character or memorable songs, with the obvious exception of Unusual Way. What it does have is a wealth of distinctive scenes and supporting characters, an advantage director Joe Deer's production took full use of on a distinguished set by Don David. It wasn't Nick Verina's fault that Guido Contini, the old- school Italian film director with a severe case of interpersonal attention-deficit disorder, leaves a hollow center in a show that's as much thematic revue as book musical.

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Footlights; 'Nine,' 'Richard Iii' Showcased Strong Student Performances

Though too young and not slimy enough to play a man surrounded by problems of his own making - and who lusts for even more while simultaneously regretting it - Verina, a junior musical theater major, displayed plenty of stage presence and vocal talent.

As Claudia, the leading lady who isn't interested in rep...

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