Biography
Passion is a musical adapted from Ettore Scola's film Passione d'Amore (which was, in its turn, based on Iginio Ugo Tarchetti's novel Fosca). The book is by James Lapine, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Central subjects include obsession, beauty, power, manipulation, passion, illness, and love. It is also a partially epistolary play, parts of the story being told through letters.
Set in 19th century Italy, Sondheim's musical revolves around a handsome soldier, Giorgio, who is shattered and ultimately changed by the unconditional and obsessive love of Fosca, his Colonel's ugly and sickly cousin. Throughout the play, Giorgio corresponds with his beautiful (but married) mistress Clara through letters. Passion is also notable for being the only other show, apart from Sweeney Todd, that Stephen Sondheim himself conceived.
After 52 previews Passion opened on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre on May 9, 1994 and closed on January 7, 1995. Directed by James Lapine, the cast starred Jere Shea as Giorgio, Donna Murphy as Fosca and Marin Mazzie as Clara. Scenic Design was by Adrianne Lobel, Costume Design by Jane Greenwood, Lighting Design by Beverly Emmons, and orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. This production was filmed shortly after closing and televised on the Public Broadcasting Service "American Playhouse" on September 8, 1996. (It was released on DVD in 2003 by Image Entertainment.) The musical ran a total of 280 performances, making it the shortest-running musical ever to win the Tony Award for Best Musical.
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