Edmond Reynolds, director of Ann Arbor Civic Theatre’s production of “Nine,” had absolutely no idea that his show would hit the stage at almost exactly the same time that a film adaptation of the musical arrived in theaters.

But thanks in part to the largely female cast that Reynolds lovingly calls his “diva army,” he believes the show will more than stand on its own.

“A lot of them are moms with kids, and … they put their house in order, they feed the kids, and they come to rehearsal and they work,” said Reynolds. “Not that men don’t, but it’s different. And they really want to be there.”

“Nine” — based on Federico Fellini’s classic 1963 film “8 ½” — tells the story of a film director, Guido, who’s struggling to make his next project while reflecting on the most important women in his life.

“(Guido’s persona) depends on the woman he’s with,” said Reynolds. “When he’s with his wife, it’s very comforting, because it’s an old relationship; when he’s with Carla (his mistress), it’s very sexual and very passionate. When he’s with Claudia (an actress), I think he loves Claudia, but he sees her more as this thing he’s created, so she’s really not real. And when he’s with his mother, he’s this cute little boy.”

And while the “diva army” plays a key role, the show’s anchor is Guido, played by Norm Weber in A2CT’s production.

“Guido is so self-absorbed and so selfish, but you love him,” said Reynolds. “And that’s the secret to Guido. He has to remain lovable, even though he doesn’t treat his wife very well, or anyone in his life, for that matter.”

Sounds like a tough trick for any actor, but according to Reynolds, Weber (whose vocal background lies in opera) is capable of threading the needle.

“I think it’s his face,” Reynolds said. “He’s a quiet man to begin with. He’s very expressive with his face. And he’s so well-liked as a person. People like him so well that I think they make that jump to liking Guido as well. And Guido’s funny. He has some of the funniest lines.”

And while “Nine” will be new to many patrons, the musical had been new to Reynolds, too, until a cast member of one of his previous shows (“Sweet Charity”) recommended that he check it out.

“It was a show I didn’t know, I’d never seen, but I got the CD, and the music’s exquisite,” Reynolds said. “Fellini’s ‘8½’ is very cultish, and ‘Nine’ is very cultish. But it delivers. It’s just beautiful, beautiful music.”

Check out director Edmond Reynolds discussing the differences between the film version of "Nine" and the stage show:

Watch a slideshow of A2CT's upcoming production of "Nine":

PREVIEW “Nine” Who: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. What: Based on Federico Fellini's 1963 film “8 ½” “Nine” tells the story of a successful filmmaker who's struggling with his next project while reflecting on the role of several women in his life. Where: Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre in the Michigan League, 911 North University. When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14-17 only. How much: $20 ($18 for seniors, $12 for students), except Thursday, when tickets cost $16. Info: 734-971-2228 or A2CT web site.

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.