These are frightening times, and we all must take necessary precautions as we social distance and self-isolate. That being said, you deserve a break every now and then. Welcome to Playbill's Daily Distraction.
Day 53: An Ad From the Vatican
As a side hobby during quarantine, I've started to learn Italian. So far, that's meant a lot of Duolingo, watching clips from The Real Housewives di Napoli (it exists!), and listening to the Nine cast recording.
Today marks the 38th anniversary of the musical's Broadway premiere, so let's mark the occasion by revisiting one of my favorite commercials for a musical, featuring Anita Morris. The Tony nominee was name-checked in two previous Daily Distractions—one that referenced this very commercial, another highlighting a Tonys performance—but she's in the spotlight this time around (though I highly recommend watching the other Nine commercials, featuring Kate Denzina and Camille Saviola).
READ: Inside the Creation of Nine
The spot starts out with Morris in some of her Carla attire, in a pose that can't possibly be comfortable. "I have to sit in this position because my costume has been censored from television," she says suggestively. Ever eager to appease the FCC, she apologizes when she briefly removes her hands from the areas in question.
In fact, with the sultry music, the auburn hair, and Kewpie doll voice, I'm reminded of another Broadway-adjacent commercial...
Need more distractions? Click here.
