The Randolph Academy Presents Nine

Showing November 27-December 1, 2012 at 8 p.m., December 1 at 2 p.m. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst Street Tickets and complete show times available here

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. November 2, 2012 (Toronto ON) In its 20th year, the Randolph Academy has chosen to present one of the most critically acclaimed musicals of our time, Nine.

The story revolves around a celebrated film director, Guido Contini, who is suffering from “director’s block” in the production of his latest film. The musical is a semi- biographical work, that makes references to the life of Federico Fellini, the director and co-writer of 8½ , the film Nine is based on.

The production features Randolph Academy’s graduating class of December 2012, and director Kiri-Lyn Muir believes that it is a perfect fit for these talented individuals. “As one student put it to me on the first day of rehearsals, Nine gives them an opportunity to put into practice all of the skills they have been working so intensely on developing and improving for the past two-years. All of the acting, singing, and dancing technique they have acquired is put into practice,” reports Muir.

“The musical Nine is wonderful because it requires the cast to portray ten strong, unique women. Each woman is showcased, which means every member of the graduating class gets the opportunity to be challenged and shine,” said Muir. A select few alumni will also be performing, including Daniel Cannis (Camelot, Sir Lionel (US National Tour), Anne and Gilbert, Sloane / Waiter, 70’S Fever, Lead Singer).

Muir says that in this production of Nine, the performances of the students will be something for theatre goers to look forward to. "Even though I am working in a college environment I do not look at the cast members as students. They are a mere two- months from graduation. I treat them with the same expectations and respect that I treat professionals,” she says.

Muir also points out that the unique Annex Theatre will benefit the narrative of the musical. “What makes this production exciting for me is the unusual space we are using,” says Muir. “It is not a traditional stage with wings. Instead we have these cool staircases, wrap around seating and a very intimate playing space. As Nine is a non- linear play that dips in and out of fantasy, the past, and present day, the closeness helps to tell the story.”

Meet the Cast:

Claudia Ana Lia Arias Garrido Luisa Ann-Marie Banski Le Fleur Kit Boulter Guido Daniel Cannis Mother Genna Giampaolo Little Guido Sophie Mercer Stephanie Noemi Parenteau-Comfort Saraghina Ellie Posadas Lady of the Spa Kaleigh Richards Carla Amanda Testini

Ensemble Courtney Ritchie Natasha Strilchuk Sara Murray Carolyn Quigley Elizabeth Greer Turnbull April Clemmens Rae Bernakevitch

Director and Choreographer Kiri-Lyn Muir Musical Director Lily Ling

Book by Arthur Kopit Music and Lyrics by MAURY YESTON Adaptation from the Italian by MARIO FRATTI Broadway Production Directed by Tommy Tune

About the Randolph Academy

George C. Randolph Jr., the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts is a Private Career College, children's recreational program and youth show choir program, providing world-class performing arts training to young artists. Distinguished faculty and entertainment industry professionals shape Triple Threat™ skills of dancing, acting, and singing. No other curriculum presents such a focused perspective on building the Triple Threat™ skills, essentials for future success in the highly competitive performing arts industry.

College alumni and faculty have contributed to projects such as Rent, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, Fosse, The Little Mermaid, Hairspray, The Sound of Music, 42nd Street, Dirty Dancing, Chicago, West Side Story, We Will Rock You!, Bombay Dreams, Jersey Boys, The Producers, Rock of Ages, and Jesus Christ Superstar.

-30- Media inquiries:

Adam Zarboni Communications Director Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts (416) 924 2243 x240 |[email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/RandolphAcademy Twitter: twitter.com/RandolphAcademy