How well do you know *Passion*, Stephen Sondheim's stirring musical adaptation of *Passione d'Amore*? Test your knowledge of the show's origins, its Broadway and international productions, and the characters that make this musical unforgettable. From its Tony Award-winning run to various revivals, *Passion* has left a significant impact on audiences and critics alike. Delve deeper into the fascinating backstories and trivia that shaped this intense exploration of love.
International Productions
- The original London production of 'Passion' opened in 1996 at the Queen's Theatre with significant musical and script revisions, featuring Michael Ball as Giorgio and Maria Friedman as Fosca.
- 'Passion' had its German-language premiere on January 28, 2011, at the Dresden State Operetta, featuring an orchestral arrangement specifically adapted for symphonic orchestra, with no electronic instruments.
- In 2004, a unique Dutch-language recording was released from the Netherlands production of the show, making it one of the rare translations of a Sondheim score.
- The musical 'Passion' had its Italian premiere in 2019 at the Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte of Montepulciano, directed by Keith Warner with musical direction by Roland Boer.
Musical Composition
- Stephen Sondheim conceived the idea for 'Passion' after an epiphany while watching the film 'Passione d'Amore' in 1983, realizing the potential for a deeply emotional musical narrative.
- The orchestration by Jonathan Tunick in 'Passion' played a crucial role, giving the music a richness that reflects the operatic and intense nature of the story.
- Passion is a one-act musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine, adapted from the 1981 film 'Passione d'Amore' by Ettore Scola.
- Stephen Sondheim, the composer of 'Passion', believes the musical illustrates how intense love can crack someone open, introducing a vital force into a life that may seem otherwise desolate.
- The musical 'Passion' features a groundbreaking usage of dreamlike sequences and letter reading which enhances the narrative by reflecting the characters’ inner thoughts.
Production Facts
- The semi-staged concert at Lincoln Center in 2005 starred Patti LuPone, Michael Cerveris, and Audra McDonald, and it won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Program.
- In 'Passion', the final scene in which characters reappear and Fosca's voice joins Giorgio reading her last letter serves as a dramatic conclusion that reflects their complex relationship and shared revelations.
- The set and lighting of 'Passion' were designed to evoke the colors of Italian frescoes, contributing to the story’s dramatic and intense mood.
- The character Giorgio in 'Passion' undergoes a significant emotional journey, transitioning his affections in response to the persistent and intense love shown by Fosca.
- In 'Passion', Fosca is depicted as a character whose appearance and demeanor were unappealing to audiences, leading to unique reactions during performances, such as cheers during her meltdowns.
- Ruthie Henshall not only produced but also starred as Fosca in the 'Passion' production that opened at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester on May 5, 2022.
- Signature Theatre's 2018 production of 'Passion' marked the second time the theatre had staged the show, with Claybourne Elder, Natascia Diaz, and Steffanie Leigh in the leading roles.
- The 2013 Off-Broadway revival by the Classic Stage Company took a minimalist approach, under the direction of John Doyle, marking the first musical production by the company, primarily known for classical plays.
- The original Broadway production of 'Passion' included notable cast members such as Donna Murphy as Fosca, Jere Shea as Giorgio, and Marin Mazzie as Clara.
- Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's collaboration on 'Passion' resulted from their decision to shelf another project, 'Muscle', as they believed 'Passion' was substantial enough to fill an entire evening of theatre.
- 'Passion' opened on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre on May 9, 1994, and closed on January 7, 1995, after 280 performances, making it the shortest-running musical ever to win the Tony Award for Best Musical.
- The source material for 'Passion' includes not only Scola's film but also Iginio Ugo Tarchetti's 1869 novel 'Fosca', a fictionalized recount of an affair Tarchetti had during his time as a soldier.
