Composer

:

Stephen Sondheim

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1994

Average_duration

:

65:34

"Passion" is a musical composed by Stephen Sondheim, with a book by James Lapine. The musical is based on the 1981 Italian film "Passione d'Amore" directed by Ettore Scola. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1994 and won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The plot of "Passion" revolves around a soldier named Giorgio who is stationed in a remote outpost in 19th-century Italy. He is torn between his love for a married woman named Clara and his attraction to a sickly, unattractive woman named Fosca. As Giorgio becomes more involved with Fosca, he begins to question his own desires and the nature of love. The musical is known for its complex and challenging score, which features intricate melodies and unconventional harmonies. Sondheim's music is often described as "intellectual" and "sophisticated," with a focus on character development and psychological depth. "Passion" premiered on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre on May 9, 1994, and ran for 280 performances. The original cast included Jere Shea as Giorgio, Donna Murphy as Fosca, and Marin Mazzie as Clara. The production was directed by James Lapine and choreographed by Jonathan Butterell. The musical is divided into two acts, with a total of 18 musical numbers. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the love triangle between Giorgio, Clara, and Fosca. The second act delves deeper into the characters' emotions and features several powerful solos, including Fosca's "Loving You" and Giorgio's "Is This What You Call Love?" "Passion" is known for its minimalist set design and intimate staging, which allows the audience to focus on the characters and their relationships. The musical has been praised for its exploration of complex themes such as obsession, desire, and the nature of love. In conclusion, "Passion" is a complex and challenging musical that explores the nature of love and desire. With its intricate score and intimate staging, the musical has become a favorite among Sondheim fans and theater enthusiasts alike.

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