NEW YORK, April 13 / -- Academy Award nominated director Rob Marshall ("MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA," "CHICAGO") and The Weinstein Company are joining forces to bring the classic Broadway show "NINE" to the big screen. This marks the first time that Rob Marshall and Harvey Weinstein have collaborated since reviving the Hollywood musical with "CHICAGO," winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. "NINE" will be directed by Rob Marshall with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, composer and lyricist for the original 1982 Broadway production that won the Tony Award for Best Musical, and was written by Arthur Kopit. Marshall and John DeLuca ("MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA," "CHICAGO") will choreograph. A writer will be announced shortly. The joint announcement was made today by Rob Marshall and Bob and Harvey Weinstein, co-chairmen of The Weinstein Company.

LUCAMAR Productions partners DeLuca and Marshall will be on board as part of the producing team. The Weinstein Company acquired the rights to produce "NINE" from Arthur Kopit and Maury Yeston who will each serve as co-executive producer.

"NINE" was initially adapted by Mario Fratti with the book written for the stage by Arthur Kopit. Throughout its successful runs on Broadway, "NINE" has attracted such legendary talent as Raul Julia, Antonio Banderas, Chita Rivera and Liliane Montevecchi."

Inspired by Fellini's personal, painful, and beautiful film '8 1/2,'" Marshall said, "'NINE' is a sumptuous and emotional work that translates naturally to the film musical genre because of its seamless relationship between fantasy and reality." He added, "Finding another musical to bring to the screen has been quite a journey and I am thrilled that it's 'NINE.' Harvey and I are looking forward to working together again, and I am excited to be taking on this challenging and provocative piece."

Harvey Weinstein stated, "Rob and I have been looking for another musical to make together ever since 'CHICAGO' and I nearly fell over with excitement when he first suggested 'NINE.' It's a brilliant and timeless masterpiece, and no one can stage sexier or more dynamic numbers than Rob Marshall. Teaming up with him and the tremendous cast he's putting together, will be something we've never experienced before. After the truly sensational job he did with 'CHICAGO,' I cannot think of a better filmmaker to bring this daring story to the big screen."

"NINE" is a sultry and enchanting musical that follows the life of world famous film director Guido Contini as he prepares his latest picture and balances the numerous women in his life including his wife, a producer, a mistress, a film star, and his deceased mother. The original 1982 Broadway production of "NINE," nominated for twelve Tony Awards and winning five, including Best Musical, was directed by Tommy Tune, choreographed by Thommie Walsh, starred Raul Julia with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and book by Arthur Kopit. In 2003, the Broadway revival of "NINE," starring Antonio Banderas, received eight Tony Award nominations and won two, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Michael Cole, co-president of production, and Kelly Carmichael, svp of production for The Weinstein Company, will oversee the production on behalf of TWC.

Eric Roth, evp of business and legal affairs, and Laine Kline, svp of business and legal affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of The Weinstein Company. Doug MacLaren from ICM, attorneys Michael Gendler and Kevin Kelly negotiated on behalf of Rob Marshall. WMA represented Arthur Kopit in negotiations, and Sarah Douglas from Abrams Artists represented Maury Yeston.

In 2003 "CHICAGO" was nominated for thirteen Academy Awards and won six including Best Picture. The film ignited the box office, grossing over $170 million domestically and over $300 million worldwide, becoming the highest grossing film in Miramax's history under the leadership of Bob and Harvey Weinstein.

SOURCE The Weinstein Company