Be Italian! Broadway Nine Movie Interviews

By , Christopher Moore

With his hit film adaptation of Kander and Ebb's Chicago, Rob Marshall ushered in the new age of the movie musical. Now, Mr. Marshall is back with a new movie musical-Nine. With stars like Daniel Day-Lewis, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Fergie, Penelope Cruz and Kate Hudson in the cast, Nine could re-invigorate the movie musical again. Broadway.tv and Broadway Magazine sat down for conversations with the stars and creators to talk about the film.

"In my wildest imagination, I never imagined we'd put together a cast like this," reflects director Rob Marshall. So, how did the stars get involved.

"Rob told me it was a good idea-and he was right" said Daniel Day-Lewis when asked why he wanted to be involved in this particular project.

"I love Italian music from that period," Daniel-Day Lewis adds, describing how one of the songs that was an inspiration for his performance is being used in the film. Playing the lead role of Guido, Nine adds another unique and compelling character to the Academy Award winner's catalogue of great performances.

Based on the Fellini film 8 1/2, the musical Nine has been a success on Broadway, just like Chicago. However for Rob Marshall, the process of approaching the project was unique.

"Chicago is a satire. Nine is a musical as well, but it sort of treads a different path," explains the Rob Marshall. "There is a comedy, but also it turns darker. There is a more dramatic story being told, which was what I was hoping."

"I auditioned for this movie because I wanted to sing and dance, and hopefully be in a Rob Marshall film," shares star Kate Hudson .

"I play a Vogue reporter who is obsessed with Daniel-Day Lewis' character Guido, and I basically want to flirt with him and get in bed with him," Kate adds with a smile.

"It was wonderful," says Fergie, who has enjoyed working with the "A List actors" saying that she felt quite at ease, once the working process began.

"Penelope Cruz, brilliant belt voice, natural dancer. Kate Hudson as well" says Broadway's Nine creator Maury Yeston, who has high praise for the talented cast as both actors and musical theatre performers, adding "All of these people, had they wanted to, could've had careers on Broadway, on the stage."

With a star filled cast, a masterful director, an compelling score, and a big screen, the film version of the hit Broadway musical Nine offers a holiday treat for movie and musical fans everywhere. As they sing: Be a lover. Be a singer. Be Italian.

Watch the entire video feature right here on Broadway.tv and visit our blog for a special Nine Interviews On Nine highlight.