"PASSION" on KQED

Without a doubt, my favorite work done by Stephen Sondheim is Passion. The music he wrote for the character of Fosca (originated by Donna Murphy) is heartbreaking. I think it is the most passionate & romantic score ever written for the stage. A few years ago, I was so overcome with emotions after seeing Theatreworks' production of Passion that I almost crashed my car in the parking lot. Every time I listen to it, it doesn't fail to move me. KQED will be airing a concert version with a dream cast. Here's the info:

Live from Lincoln Center: Stephen Sondheim's Passion Thu, Mar 31, 8pm KQED TV9
Tony Award-winners Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris star in this legendary musical theater piece. Lonny Price directs this semi-staged concert version, originally produced by the Ravinia Festival in 2003, with music by a 56-piece orchestra. The event will be presented live from the Rose Theater in the exciting new Frederick P. Rose Hall at the Time Warner Center in New York City. Based on the novel Fosca by Igino Tarchetti and the film Passion d'amore by Ettore Scola, Sondheim's Passion, with a book by James Lapine, explores love and obsession through the story of Giorgio (Cerveris), an officer in the 1863 Italian Army who carries on an affair through the mail with Clara (McDonald), a married woman. When Fosca (LuPone), the sickly, wretched sister of the colonel, becomes obsessed with Giorgio, her passion begins to eat at his soul until he gives in to her overpowering love.

I am a huge Donna Murphy fan, so it will be interesting to see what Ms. LuPone brings to the role. And Audra McDonald as Clara...I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it. For all you theatre people, hopeless romantics and especially Sondheim fans, grab some kleenex & don't miss it.

M.