Passion
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical that tells the story of a doomed love triangle between a soldier, Giorgio, his commanding officer’s cousin, Fosca, and a married woman, Clara. The original Broadway production filmed without an audience at the Plymouth Theatre following the show's closing.
Where to watch
theatrical history
With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by James Lapine, Passion tells the story of a doomed love triangle between a soldier, Giorgio, his commanding officer’s cousin, Fosca, and a married woman, Clara.
The musical was based on Ettore Scola’s 1981 film Passione D’Amore, which was adapted from Iginio Ugo Tarchetti’s mid-19th century novel Fosca. As Sondheim noted in Look I Made A Hat, he was incredibly moved by Scola’s film and knew immediately that he wanted to adapt it into a musical.
The project began as a companion piece to a musical adaptation of Muscle, with book and lyrics by James Lapine. Sondheim stepped away from Muscle, and it was decided to make Passion a full-length piece of its own accord (William Finn took over the score for the Muscle, Ellen Fitzhugh wrote the lyrics, and the musical had its world premier in Chicago in 2001).
Sondheim was not interested in writing an opera, but understood that the story of Passion was one that required an operatic treatment. As described in his book of lyrics Look I Made a Hat, Sondheim faced the challenge of “how to treat a story as ripe as Fosca and maintain its intensity without the indulgence in vocal opulence and spectacle that is the blood of opera.” Ultimately, Sondheim
The musical was based on Ettore Scola’s 1981 film Passione D’Amore, which was adapted from Iginio Ugo Tarchetti’s mid-19th century novel Fosca. As Sondheim noted in Look I Made A Hat, he was incredibly moved by Scola’s film and knew immediately that he wanted to adapt it into a musical.
The project began as a companion piece to a musical adaptation of Muscle, with book and lyrics by James Lapine. Sondheim stepped away from Muscle, and it was decided to make Passion a full-length piece of its own accord (William Finn took over the score for the Muscle, Ellen Fitzhugh wrote the lyrics, and the musical had its world premier in Chicago in 2001).
Sondheim was not interested in writing an opera, but understood that the story of Passion was one that required an operatic treatment. As described in his book of lyrics Look I Made a Hat, Sondheim faced the challenge of “how to treat a story as ripe as Fosca and maintain its intensity without the indulgence in vocal opulence and spectacle that is the blood of opera.” Ultimately, Sondheim
“chose to think of the show as one long rhapsodic love song: musically relentless, the recitative where necessary morphing into formal patterns, and as much of the dialogue under scored as possible. The danger was that, like my feeling about rock scores, it would be earnest, monotonous and humorless-God knows, the novel is.”
With Fosca’s “manic obsessiveness” and a being that is “always theatrical,” Sondheim felt the character contained the vital energy of the musical. He noted “once I'd locked myself into… [Fosca] she was not hard to write.”
Passion commenced previews at the Plymouth Theatre (now the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre) on March 24, 1994.
Audiences did not respond well to the sickly and melodramatic Fosca, and early audiences laughed outright at her behavior. According to Blake Green, the song “Loving You” was added during previews “in hopes of making her [Fosca’s] obsessive behavior more understandable.” Despite extensive re-writes and adjustments, theatre historian Dan Dietz described Fosca as “the pushiest stalker in the history of musical theatre.”
Following 52 previews, Passion officially opened on Broadway on May 9, 1994. James Lapine was the show’s director, with musical direction by Paul Gemingnani, orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, scenic design by Adrianne Lobel, costume design by Jane Greenwood, lighting design by Beverly Emmons, sound design by Otis Munderloh, hair and wig design by Phyllis Della, and stage managed by Frank Lombardi.
The cast featured Marin Mazzie (Clara), Jere Shea (Giorgio), Gregg Edelman (Colonel Ricci), Tom Aldredge (Doctor Tambourri), Francis Ruivivar (Lieutenant Torasso), Marcus Olson (Sergeant Lombardi), William Parry (Lieutenant Barri), Cris Groenendaal (Major Rizzolli), George Dvorsky (Private Augenti), Donna Murphy (Fosca), Linda Balgord (Fosca’s Mother), John Leslie Wolfe (Fosca’s Father), Matthew Porretta (Ludovic), and Juliet Lambert (Mistress).
Critical Response
Critical responses to Passion were mostly positive. Several reviews mentioned Lapine’s lackluster direction, and the difficultly of finding compassion for the character of Fosca, despite Donna Murphy astounding performance. Several critics also noted the musical’s upturned “Beauty and the Beast” themes — Disney’s Beauty and the Beast had opened at the Palace Theatre a month before — and also stated Passion was the most sophisticated show in a dismal year for original musicals. Two reviewers, Howard Kissel and Jacques le Sourd compared Passion to a meal. Kissel stated “the repast is exquisite, the mood surprisingly warm and tender,” while Le Sourd noted Sondheim was “like a restaurant owner who treats the customers badly, but keeps them coming back for special dishes.”
Variety’s Jeremy Gerard stated the musical was “a great, great show,” and “stands unchallenged as the most emotionally engaging new musical Broadway has had in years.”
Writing for The New York Times, David Richards described Donna Murphy as “spellbinding” and “more than a little scary in the role.” Richards also praised Sondheim for his “unremitting intelligence [and] his willingness to work on an intimate scale,” and noted that Sondheim and Lapine “have achieved an uncommonly graceful intertwining of dialogue and music.” Despite the praise, Richards felt “the boldness of the enterprise never quite pays off.”
Howard Kissel, writing the Daily News, compared Passion to dinner in the home “of a brilliant, prickly friend,” and stated Kissel described Sondheim’s score as “one of Sondheim’s most lyrical and economical…” Kissel had high praise for Donna Murphy, claiming he “cannot imagine “Passion” without Donna Murphy as Fosca,” noting her voice was “a veritable string quartet… the passion she brings to the music is totally enthralling.” Kissel was less enthusiastic about James Lapine’s direction, describing it as “stiff and rudimentary.”
Writing for the Associated Press, Michael Kuchwara described Passion as “extraordinary and uncompromising,” “lean and tightly focused,” and told with “laser-beam precision.” Kuchwara acknowledged the difficulty of the material, and stated Passion “push[es] the audience into a demanding, even difficult journey. Stick with it. Passion makes for a remarkable adventure.”
Meanwhile, Jacques Le Sourd praised Sondheim’s “brooding score, Jonathan Tunick’s sophisticated orchestrations, the sweep of Lapine’s staging, and the ethereal beauty of Adrianne Lobel’s set designs…” Despite the praise, Le Sourd conclulded “There is an operatic granduer… that may move some, and strike others as pure balderdash. I’m afraid I just didn’t buy it.”
Passion was nominated for a slew of awards, winning 6 Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Music, and Outstanding Lyrics, and 4 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Actress in a Musical for Donna Murphy (see Awards and Nominations below).
Despite the warm reviews and awards, after 52 previews and 280 performances, Passion closed on January 7, 1995.
After the Broadway closing, the production was filmed over three days without an audience at the Plymouth Theatre (see Filmed Production Notes below).
West End
A re-worked version of Passion opened in the West End at the Queen’s Theatre on March 26, 1996. Directed by Jeremy Sams, the production starred Maria Friedman as Fosca, Helen Hobson as Clara, and Michael Ball as Giorgio. A concert version featuring the West End cast was recorded and released on CD.
Kennedy Center
In 2002, The Kennedy Center staged a new production starring Judy Kuhn as Fosca, Rebecca Luker as Clara, and Michael Ceveris as Giorgio.
Ravinia Festival and Lonny Price
In August 2003, Lonny Price directed a pared-down “semi-staged concert” production of Passion for the Ravinia Festival in Chicago. The acclaimed production starred Patti LuPone as Fosca, Michael Ceveris as Giorgio, and Audra McDonald as Clara.
10th Anniversary Benefit Concert
Passion received a special 10th anniversary benefit concert performance for Friends in Deed, a non-profit organization aiming to support people with life-threatening illness, at the Ambassador Theatre on October 20, 2004.
Paul Gemignani served as musical director and conductor, and his son Alexander was recruited to play Private Augenti.
Marin Mazzie and Donna Murphy reprised their respective roles of Clara and Fosca, while Michael Cerveris stepped into the role of Giorgio. Colleen Fitzpatrick also reprised her original role of Fosca’s Mother. The rest of the cast included Malcolm Gets (Colonel Ricci), Timothy Gulan (Sergeant Lombardi), John Jellison (Major Rizzolli), Julie Lambert (Mistres), John McMartin (Doctor Tambourri), William Parry (Lieutenant Barri), Matthew Poretta (Ludovic), and John Leslie Wolfe (Fosca’s Father).
Lincoln Center
In 2005, Lonny Price’s Ravinia Festival production received a limited engagement at Lincoln Center. Again directed by Price, Patti LuPone, Audra McDonaldPBS’ Live from Lincoln Center broadcast Passion on American television on March 31, 2005. The program was hosted Lesley Stahl, and featured interviews with Stephen Sondheim and leading cast members. See Passion (2005) https://www.filmedlivemusicals.com/passion-2005.html.
London Revival - Donmar Warehouse
Passion was revived in London at the Donmar Warehouse in 2010.
Off-Broadway - Classic Stage Company
Under the direction of John Doyle, the Classic Stage Company mounted an off-Broadway production of Passion in 2013. The production featured Ryan Silverman as Giorgio, Rebecca Luker as Clara, and Judy Kuhn as Fosca. A critically praised cast recording was released in 2013.
Passion commenced previews at the Plymouth Theatre (now the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre) on March 24, 1994.
Audiences did not respond well to the sickly and melodramatic Fosca, and early audiences laughed outright at her behavior. According to Blake Green, the song “Loving You” was added during previews “in hopes of making her [Fosca’s] obsessive behavior more understandable.” Despite extensive re-writes and adjustments, theatre historian Dan Dietz described Fosca as “the pushiest stalker in the history of musical theatre.”
Following 52 previews, Passion officially opened on Broadway on May 9, 1994. James Lapine was the show’s director, with musical direction by Paul Gemingnani, orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, scenic design by Adrianne Lobel, costume design by Jane Greenwood, lighting design by Beverly Emmons, sound design by Otis Munderloh, hair and wig design by Phyllis Della, and stage managed by Frank Lombardi.
The cast featured Marin Mazzie (Clara), Jere Shea (Giorgio), Gregg Edelman (Colonel Ricci), Tom Aldredge (Doctor Tambourri), Francis Ruivivar (Lieutenant Torasso), Marcus Olson (Sergeant Lombardi), William Parry (Lieutenant Barri), Cris Groenendaal (Major Rizzolli), George Dvorsky (Private Augenti), Donna Murphy (Fosca), Linda Balgord (Fosca’s Mother), John Leslie Wolfe (Fosca’s Father), Matthew Porretta (Ludovic), and Juliet Lambert (Mistress).
Critical Response
Critical responses to Passion were mostly positive. Several reviews mentioned Lapine’s lackluster direction, and the difficultly of finding compassion for the character of Fosca, despite Donna Murphy astounding performance. Several critics also noted the musical’s upturned “Beauty and the Beast” themes — Disney’s Beauty and the Beast had opened at the Palace Theatre a month before — and also stated Passion was the most sophisticated show in a dismal year for original musicals. Two reviewers, Howard Kissel and Jacques le Sourd compared Passion to a meal. Kissel stated “the repast is exquisite, the mood surprisingly warm and tender,” while Le Sourd noted Sondheim was “like a restaurant owner who treats the customers badly, but keeps them coming back for special dishes.”
Variety’s Jeremy Gerard stated the musical was “a great, great show,” and “stands unchallenged as the most emotionally engaging new musical Broadway has had in years.”
Writing for The New York Times, David Richards described Donna Murphy as “spellbinding” and “more than a little scary in the role.” Richards also praised Sondheim for his “unremitting intelligence [and] his willingness to work on an intimate scale,” and noted that Sondheim and Lapine “have achieved an uncommonly graceful intertwining of dialogue and music.” Despite the praise, Richards felt “the boldness of the enterprise never quite pays off.”
Howard Kissel, writing the Daily News, compared Passion to dinner in the home “of a brilliant, prickly friend,” and stated Kissel described Sondheim’s score as “one of Sondheim’s most lyrical and economical…” Kissel had high praise for Donna Murphy, claiming he “cannot imagine “Passion” without Donna Murphy as Fosca,” noting her voice was “a veritable string quartet… the passion she brings to the music is totally enthralling.” Kissel was less enthusiastic about James Lapine’s direction, describing it as “stiff and rudimentary.”
Writing for the Associated Press, Michael Kuchwara described Passion as “extraordinary and uncompromising,” “lean and tightly focused,” and told with “laser-beam precision.” Kuchwara acknowledged the difficulty of the material, and stated Passion “push[es] the audience into a demanding, even difficult journey. Stick with it. Passion makes for a remarkable adventure.”
Meanwhile, Jacques Le Sourd praised Sondheim’s “brooding score, Jonathan Tunick’s sophisticated orchestrations, the sweep of Lapine’s staging, and the ethereal beauty of Adrianne Lobel’s set designs…” Despite the praise, Le Sourd conclulded “There is an operatic granduer… that may move some, and strike others as pure balderdash. I’m afraid I just didn’t buy it.”
Passion was nominated for a slew of awards, winning 6 Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Music, and Outstanding Lyrics, and 4 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Actress in a Musical for Donna Murphy (see Awards and Nominations below).
Despite the warm reviews and awards, after 52 previews and 280 performances, Passion closed on January 7, 1995.
After the Broadway closing, the production was filmed over three days without an audience at the Plymouth Theatre (see Filmed Production Notes below).
West End
A re-worked version of Passion opened in the West End at the Queen’s Theatre on March 26, 1996. Directed by Jeremy Sams, the production starred Maria Friedman as Fosca, Helen Hobson as Clara, and Michael Ball as Giorgio. A concert version featuring the West End cast was recorded and released on CD.
Kennedy Center
In 2002, The Kennedy Center staged a new production starring Judy Kuhn as Fosca, Rebecca Luker as Clara, and Michael Ceveris as Giorgio.
Ravinia Festival and Lonny Price
In August 2003, Lonny Price directed a pared-down “semi-staged concert” production of Passion for the Ravinia Festival in Chicago. The acclaimed production starred Patti LuPone as Fosca, Michael Ceveris as Giorgio, and Audra McDonald as Clara.
10th Anniversary Benefit Concert
Passion received a special 10th anniversary benefit concert performance for Friends in Deed, a non-profit organization aiming to support people with life-threatening illness, at the Ambassador Theatre on October 20, 2004.
Paul Gemignani served as musical director and conductor, and his son Alexander was recruited to play Private Augenti.
Marin Mazzie and Donna Murphy reprised their respective roles of Clara and Fosca, while Michael Cerveris stepped into the role of Giorgio. Colleen Fitzpatrick also reprised her original role of Fosca’s Mother. The rest of the cast included Malcolm Gets (Colonel Ricci), Timothy Gulan (Sergeant Lombardi), John Jellison (Major Rizzolli), Julie Lambert (Mistres), John McMartin (Doctor Tambourri), William Parry (Lieutenant Barri), Matthew Poretta (Ludovic), and John Leslie Wolfe (Fosca’s Father).
Lincoln Center
In 2005, Lonny Price’s Ravinia Festival production received a limited engagement at Lincoln Center. Again directed by Price, Patti LuPone, Audra McDonaldPBS’ Live from Lincoln Center broadcast Passion on American television on March 31, 2005. The program was hosted Lesley Stahl, and featured interviews with Stephen Sondheim and leading cast members. See Passion (2005) https://www.filmedlivemusicals.com/passion-2005.html.
London Revival - Donmar Warehouse
Passion was revived in London at the Donmar Warehouse in 2010.
Off-Broadway - Classic Stage Company
Under the direction of John Doyle, the Classic Stage Company mounted an off-Broadway production of Passion in 2013. The production featured Ryan Silverman as Giorgio, Rebecca Luker as Clara, and Judy Kuhn as Fosca. A critically praised cast recording was released in 2013.
Film history
Passion was filmed over three days following the Broadway closing in January 1995.
According to Susan King in the Los Angeles Times, Lapine and Sondheim independently raised almost $1 million to underwrite the filming. Michael Kuchwara writing for the Associated Press noted the funds included left over money from the initial capitalization from the Shubert Organization and Capital Cities/ABC, along with Sondheim and Lapine’s advance “they were to receive for stock and amateur rights.”
As quoted by Kuchwara, Lapine noted “I think we will get our money back from the sale to PBS, the video sales, the foreign rights sales and ancillary rights sales… I think you can make the case that it is not a money-losing proposition.”
Due to time and budget constraints, Passion was filmed with four 16-millimeter cameras. The score was also recorded live.
The film was directed by James Lapine who, as reported by King, “insisted “Passion” be filmed and not videotaped…” Lapine felt film provided a better quality capture than taping, and also allowed for improved lighting that prevented the capture from looking “like a soap opera.”
The film was licensed for distribution on PBS.
Passion was broadcast on American Playhouse on PBS on September 29, 1996.
In a preview for the New York Times, television critic John O’Connor complained “Fosca is perhaps the most irritating heroine ever devised for a musical. Even Ms. Murphy's powerful portrait isn't compensation enough for having to endure the character's ceaseless machinations.”
In an overwhelmingly negative review for the Los Angeles Times, critic Laurie Winer stated “Sondheim has never struck so many false notes as he does here. It's disheartening for any musical fan to learn that when he tries to embrace emotion without a cynical overgloss, there is so little there.”
Writing for the Associated Press, Michael Kuchwara felt the television special was “the most satisfying version of the show” that offered “striking performances by the musical’s three leads [Murphy, Shea, and Mazzie].” Kuchwara also praised the TV medium for allowing “listeners to hear every word and note of Sondheim’s minimalist, carefully constructed score. The music ebbs and flows rather than building into set numbers.”
Playbill Online published an article featuring audience reviews. The responses to the musical were mixed, with some finding the broadcast “enthralling,” while other expressed boredom. Several comments noted the joy of being able re-visit the musical after seeing it in person, or, conversely, being able to see a show they had missed on Broadway.
Viewers almost universally praised Donna Murphy’s performance. Allison King noted “[she] commands our total attention from the first moment.”
Derek Andrus noted “I was completely enthralled. Television has never been able to draw me in like a live performance could. And while it was still television, this production was amazing. Filming the show, rather than taping it, made all the difference… This performance was simply beautiful to look at and allowed you to see the actors emote and watch the passion in their faces. All plays should be filmed in this manner if for no other reason than to keep for posterity sake.”
Merce is echoed this sentiment, noting “Still, a mediocre Sondheim is better than most other writers, and it is great that,unlike these others, Sondheim choses to save his productions on tape for the public.”
Mr. wrote “I thought the production values for a PBS special were very good.”
Jeanne McGuire, who had seen the musical numerous times in person, enthused that “The film version makes all of these things […facial expression…being able to see Fosca at close range…] possible for every viewer.” McGuire disagreed with the use of super-imposed images and “jerky motion” in the dream sequence, stating that it felt “out of place” with the rest of the show.
Brian I. Katz stated “Lapine directed the film to perfection. He knew constantly when to draw us in.”
Allison King lamented the lack of a live in-person audience stating, “One can imagine how much richer it would be with the audience's presence.”
Image Entertainment released the VHS and DVD on June 10, 2003. The DVD featured audio commentary by Stephen Sondheim, James Lapine, Donna Murphy, Jere Shea, Marin Mazzie, and Ira Weitzman.
Passion is now available to view on DVD.
According to Susan King in the Los Angeles Times, Lapine and Sondheim independently raised almost $1 million to underwrite the filming. Michael Kuchwara writing for the Associated Press noted the funds included left over money from the initial capitalization from the Shubert Organization and Capital Cities/ABC, along with Sondheim and Lapine’s advance “they were to receive for stock and amateur rights.”
As quoted by Kuchwara, Lapine noted “I think we will get our money back from the sale to PBS, the video sales, the foreign rights sales and ancillary rights sales… I think you can make the case that it is not a money-losing proposition.”
Due to time and budget constraints, Passion was filmed with four 16-millimeter cameras. The score was also recorded live.
The film was directed by James Lapine who, as reported by King, “insisted “Passion” be filmed and not videotaped…” Lapine felt film provided a better quality capture than taping, and also allowed for improved lighting that prevented the capture from looking “like a soap opera.”
The film was licensed for distribution on PBS.
Passion was broadcast on American Playhouse on PBS on September 29, 1996.
In a preview for the New York Times, television critic John O’Connor complained “Fosca is perhaps the most irritating heroine ever devised for a musical. Even Ms. Murphy's powerful portrait isn't compensation enough for having to endure the character's ceaseless machinations.”
In an overwhelmingly negative review for the Los Angeles Times, critic Laurie Winer stated “Sondheim has never struck so many false notes as he does here. It's disheartening for any musical fan to learn that when he tries to embrace emotion without a cynical overgloss, there is so little there.”
Writing for the Associated Press, Michael Kuchwara felt the television special was “the most satisfying version of the show” that offered “striking performances by the musical’s three leads [Murphy, Shea, and Mazzie].” Kuchwara also praised the TV medium for allowing “listeners to hear every word and note of Sondheim’s minimalist, carefully constructed score. The music ebbs and flows rather than building into set numbers.”
Playbill Online published an article featuring audience reviews. The responses to the musical were mixed, with some finding the broadcast “enthralling,” while other expressed boredom. Several comments noted the joy of being able re-visit the musical after seeing it in person, or, conversely, being able to see a show they had missed on Broadway.
Viewers almost universally praised Donna Murphy’s performance. Allison King noted “[she] commands our total attention from the first moment.”
Derek Andrus noted “I was completely enthralled. Television has never been able to draw me in like a live performance could. And while it was still television, this production was amazing. Filming the show, rather than taping it, made all the difference… This performance was simply beautiful to look at and allowed you to see the actors emote and watch the passion in their faces. All plays should be filmed in this manner if for no other reason than to keep for posterity sake.”
Merce is echoed this sentiment, noting “Still, a mediocre Sondheim is better than most other writers, and it is great that,unlike these others, Sondheim choses to save his productions on tape for the public.”
Mr. wrote “I thought the production values for a PBS special were very good.”
Jeanne McGuire, who had seen the musical numerous times in person, enthused that “The film version makes all of these things […facial expression…being able to see Fosca at close range…] possible for every viewer.” McGuire disagreed with the use of super-imposed images and “jerky motion” in the dream sequence, stating that it felt “out of place” with the rest of the show.
Brian I. Katz stated “Lapine directed the film to perfection. He knew constantly when to draw us in.”
Allison King lamented the lack of a live in-person audience stating, “One can imagine how much richer it would be with the audience's presence.”
Image Entertainment released the VHS and DVD on June 10, 2003. The DVD featured audio commentary by Stephen Sondheim, James Lapine, Donna Murphy, Jere Shea, Marin Mazzie, and Ira Weitzman.
Passion is now available to view on DVD.
cast & creative credits
Theatre: Plymouth Theatre (now the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre)
Executive Producer: Michael Brandman
Producer: Kimberly Myers
Book: James Lapine
Music: Stephen Sondheim
Director: James Lapine
Musical Director: Paul Gemignani
Orchestrations: Jonathan Tunick
Dance arrangements and incidental music:
Choreography:
Scenic Design: Adrianne Lobel
Costume Design: Jane Greenwood
Original Lighting Design: Beverly Emmons
Film Lighting Director: Ned Hallick
Sound Design: Otis Munderloh
Hair and Wig Design: Phyllis Della
Make-Up Design:
Stage Manager: Frank Lombardi
Film Stage Manager: Beverley Randolph
Editor: Girish Bhargava
Cast:
Jere Shea (Giorgio)
Marin Mazzie (Clara)
Gregg Edelman (Colonel Ricci)
Tom Aldredge (Dr. Tambourri)
Donna Murphy (Fosca)
Linda Balgord (Fosca’s Mother)
T.J. Meyers (Major Rizzolli)
William Parry (Lieutenant Barri)
Christopher Peccaro (Ludovic)
Francis Ruivivar (Lieutenant Torasso)
John Antony (Private Augenti)
Colleen Fitzpatrick (Mistress)
Marcus Olson (Sergeant Lombardi)
Andy Umberger (Fosca’s Father)
Orchestra:
Dennis Anderson
Nick Archer
Scott Ballantyne
John Campo
Paul Ford
Michael Ishii
Suzanne Ornstein
Al Regni
Stu Satalof
Les Scott
Ron Sell
Sally Shumway
Judith Sugarman
Thad Wheeler
Xin Zhao
Executive Producer: Michael Brandman
Producer: Kimberly Myers
Book: James Lapine
Music: Stephen Sondheim
Director: James Lapine
Musical Director: Paul Gemignani
Orchestrations: Jonathan Tunick
Dance arrangements and incidental music:
Choreography:
Scenic Design: Adrianne Lobel
Costume Design: Jane Greenwood
Original Lighting Design: Beverly Emmons
Film Lighting Director: Ned Hallick
Sound Design: Otis Munderloh
Hair and Wig Design: Phyllis Della
Make-Up Design:
Stage Manager: Frank Lombardi
Film Stage Manager: Beverley Randolph
Editor: Girish Bhargava
Cast:
Jere Shea (Giorgio)
Marin Mazzie (Clara)
Gregg Edelman (Colonel Ricci)
Tom Aldredge (Dr. Tambourri)
Donna Murphy (Fosca)
Linda Balgord (Fosca’s Mother)
T.J. Meyers (Major Rizzolli)
William Parry (Lieutenant Barri)
Christopher Peccaro (Ludovic)
Francis Ruivivar (Lieutenant Torasso)
John Antony (Private Augenti)
Colleen Fitzpatrick (Mistress)
Marcus Olson (Sergeant Lombardi)
Andy Umberger (Fosca’s Father)
Orchestra:
Dennis Anderson
Nick Archer
Scott Ballantyne
John Campo
Paul Ford
Michael Ishii
Suzanne Ornstein
Al Regni
Stu Satalof
Les Scott
Ron Sell
Sally Shumway
Judith Sugarman
Thad Wheeler
Xin Zhao
awards & nominations
Awards and Nominations
* denotes win
Original Broadway Production
Tony Awards
Best Musical*
Best Actress in a Musical (Donna Murphy)*
Best Book of a Musical (James Lapine)*
Best Original Score (Stephen Sondheim)*
Best Actor in a Musical (Jere Shea)
Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Tom Aldredge)
Costume Design (Play or Musical) (Jane Greenwood)
Best Direction of a Musical (James Lapine)
Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Marin Mazzie)
Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Beverly Emmons)
Drama Desk Awards
Outstanding Lyrics (Stephen Sondheim)*
Outstanding Music (Stephen Sondheim)*
Outstanding Orchestrations (Jonathan Tunick)*
Outstanding Musical*
Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Donna Murphy)*
Outstanding Book of a Musical (James Lapine)*
Outstanding Lighting Design (Beverly Emmons)
Outstanding Set Design (Adrianne Lobel)
Outstanding Costume Design (Jane Greenwood)
Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Jere Shea)
Outstanding Director of a Musical (James Lapine)
Critics Circle Awards
Outstanding New Broadway Musical
Theatre World Awards
Theatre World Award (Jere Shea)*
* denotes win
Original Broadway Production
Tony Awards
Best Musical*
Best Actress in a Musical (Donna Murphy)*
Best Book of a Musical (James Lapine)*
Best Original Score (Stephen Sondheim)*
Best Actor in a Musical (Jere Shea)
Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Tom Aldredge)
Costume Design (Play or Musical) (Jane Greenwood)
Best Direction of a Musical (James Lapine)
Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Marin Mazzie)
Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Beverly Emmons)
Drama Desk Awards
Outstanding Lyrics (Stephen Sondheim)*
Outstanding Music (Stephen Sondheim)*
Outstanding Orchestrations (Jonathan Tunick)*
Outstanding Musical*
Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Donna Murphy)*
Outstanding Book of a Musical (James Lapine)*
Outstanding Lighting Design (Beverly Emmons)
Outstanding Set Design (Adrianne Lobel)
Outstanding Costume Design (Jane Greenwood)
Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Jere Shea)
Outstanding Director of a Musical (James Lapine)
Critics Circle Awards
Outstanding New Broadway Musical
Theatre World Awards
Theatre World Award (Jere Shea)*
research sources
Books
Articles
Websites
- Dan Dietz, The Complete Book of 1990s Broadway Musicals, Rowman & Littlefield (2016)
- Stephen Sondheim, Look, I Made a Hat: Collected Lyrics (1981 - 2011) with Attendant Comments, Amplifcations, Dogmas, Harangues, Digressions, Anecdotes and Miscellany, Alfred A. Knopf (2011)
Articles
- Associated Press, “LuPone's 'Passion' heads to N.Y.” Los Angeles Times (Jan 4, 2005)
- Richard Christiansen, “Brawny musical `Muscle' finally getting a chance,” Chicago Tribune (June 3, 2001)
- David Clarke, “PASSION (2013 New York Cast Recording) is Stunningly Lavish and Ornately Elegant,” Houston Press (July 3, 2013)
- Ernio Hernandez, “Stephen Sondheim's Passion Set for DVD/VHS Release, June 10,” Playbill (April 3, 2003)
- Andrew Gans, “Complete Casting Announced for Kennedy Center's Passion,” Playbill (July 10, 2002)
- Andrew Gans, “So Much Happiness: LuPone, McDonald and Cerveris Star in Passion,” Playbill (Aug 21, 2003)
- Andrew Gans, “PBS to Broadcast LuPone-McDonald-Cerveris Passion in March 2005,” Playbill (Dec 13, 2004)
- Andrew Gans, “Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's PassionPresented March 30-April 1,” Playbill (March 30, 2005)
- Jeremy Gerard, “Passion,” Variety (May 10, 1994)
- Blake Green, “A Passion for Music, A Tolerance for Moles,” New York Newsday (June 5, 1994), p.119
- Ernio Hernandez, “Stephen Sondheim's Passion Set for DVD/VHS Release, June 10,” Playbill (April 3, 2003)
- Charles Isherwood, “Sondheim on Romantic Love: A Consolation and a Curse,” NY Times (April 1, 2005)
- Michiko Kakutani, “THEATER; Sondheim's Passionate ‘Passion’,” New York Times (March 20, 1994) Section 2, p.1
- Susan King, “Sunday, No Park, Lots of ‘Passion’,” Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-09-28-ca-48211-story.html (Sept 28, 1996)
- Howard Kissel, “Pure ‘Passion’,” Daily News (New York) (May 10, 1994), p.29, 35
- Michael Kuchwara, “‘Passion:’ Sondheim melodically explores obsession,” Press and Sun Bulletin (May 15, 1994) p.11C
- Michael Kuchwara, “‘Passion’ comes from Broadway to TV,” Corpus Christi Caller Times (Texas), (Sept 8, 1996), p.28
- John O’Connor, “TV Weekend,” NY Times (Sept 6, 1996), Section D, p.21
- David Richards, “Review/Theater; Sondheim Explores the Heart's Terrain,” New York Times (May 10, 1994) Section C, p.15
- David Rooney, “Passion,” Variety (March 31, 2005)
- Ted Shen, “Passion,” Chicago Reader (Aug 21, 2003)
- Jacques le Sourd, “‘Passion’ a perverse pleasure,” The Journal News (White Plains, NY) (May 11, 1994), p. C6
- Uncredited, “"Passion" to Air on PBS's “Playhouse"” Backstage (Feb 21, 2001)
- Laurie Winer, “TV REVIEW; 'Passion' a Rare Misstep From Two Masters: [Home Edition]” Los Angeles Times (Sept 28, 1996), p.16 https://www.proquest.com/docview/293453791/fulltext/CA490E66CFBF41A9PQ/2?accountid=35635&sourcetype=Newspapers
Websites
- About Maria: The Maria Friedman Website, “Passion,” Accessed via: http://www.aboutmaria.com/passion.html#8
- Internet Broadway Database, “Passion,” Accessed via: https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/passion-4606
- Internet Broadway Database, “Passion: The tenth anniversary concert performance,” Accessed via: https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/passion-390386
- IMDb, “Passion,” Accessed via: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117306/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_59_act
- Playbill, “Playbill Poll Results: Your Reviews of PBS Passion,” Accessed via: http://www.playbill.com/article/playbill-poll-results-your-reviews-of-pbs-passion-com-68333
- Playbill, “Passion,” Accessed via: https://www.playbill.com/production/passion-plymouth-theatre-vault-0000009555
- Television Academy, “Stephen Sondheim's "Passion' (Live From Lincoln Center),” Accessed via: http://www.emmys.com/shows/stephen-sondheims-passion-live-lincoln-center
Written by Luisa Lyons (January 2024)