Based on the Federico Fellini film 8 1/2, the musical has a score by Maury Yeston and a book by Arthur Kopit. It tells the story of a womanizing film director named Guido Contini who breaks down while making a new film.
Oscar winner Marion Cottilard will play Guido's wife Luisa, Penelope Cruz will play his mistress Carla, and Sophia Loren will play his mother. In addition, the newspaper reports that Nicole Kidman and Dame Judi Dench are in negotiations to join the cast.