by Michael J. Fressola

Having squeezed Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" into tiny, 80-seat Sea View Playwright's Theater a few seasons ago, director Tina Barone has assigned herself an equal-or-greater logistical challenge, "Nine," the Arthur Kopit/ Maury Weston musical.

It fits too, she's happy to report. Her production, opening Feb. 21, isn't radically reduced, although some trimming has occurred. Some roles have been condensed; a production number has been excised and music director Michael Ancona will accompany the singers on piano. Even if an orchestra were affordable, space is too tight. The piano arrangement has advantages Barone has found. "It's intimate and emotional," she said.

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Source: http://www.silive.com/