Sondheim and Lapine Edit PASSION for Donmar

The Daily Mail has confirmed that the Donmar Warehouse's production of PASSION will star Elena Roger, David Thaxton, and Scarlett Strallen.  Except for Roger and Strallen, the cast will consist only of men.

Director Jamie Lloyd told the Daily Mail, "The men in the show, all of whom are playing soldiers, will play all the other roles, including the female ones.

"It'll make it more of an intimate chamber piece. I think past productions have been marvellous but overblown, and I want to strip it right down and give it the atmosphere of a psychological thriller."

Lloyd also said, "I want to create an intense, hot-house atmosphere where all the emotions are at bursting point."

According to the Daily Mail, composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is cutting and editing the score and bookwriter James Lapine is editing the book.  Approximately fifteen minutes will be trimmed from the musical, which is set to run without intermission. 

PASSION is due to begin rehearsals in August and will open on September 10.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.