Watching this after hearing of Sondheim's death. It's hard to believe that after Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park, Into the Woods (and more), there's yet another masterpiece I haven't seen yet. Although it's sad we'll never get anything new from him again, it's hard to deny he gave us far more than anyone could have asked for. A truly brilliant, creative, empathetic, and generous person.
Well he had been working on a new work with David Ives based on two Luis Bunuel films. He said they were aiming to premier next season so let's see if it is still doable.
@@williamgardiner2010 On Stephen Colbert's show, Sondheim was his guest. Sondheim revealed that he had finished a new musical, "Square One," and that it had gone through workshops and that they were hoping to mount it next year. That confused me because I, too, thought he was working on a Bunuel musical based on "Exterminating Angel" and 'Discreet Charm, etc." (both having to do with feasting, if you know the two films) called "The End of the World." Leaves me to wonder where that went.
I was convinced, after Sondheim's two-volume collection of his lyrics was printed, that there would be no new works from him. Somehow the publication of Finishing/Look crystallised his work into a definitive corpus to which nothing could now be added or taken away, and I wondered then if on some level he knew it.
I saw this musical in a lecture a few years ago, and as a long term sufferer of severe mental illness I identified so severely with Fosca. The negative reactions both from others characters, and from others in my class who absolutely hated both the show and particularly Fosca gave me one of the worst 'brief episodes', as my friend calls them, that I've ever had. This is the first time I've felt brave enough to revisit it and I had forgotten how beautiful it is, a true masterpiece.
emshi21 I hadn't seen it until watching this video. I was only 14 when it came out and the opening scene was extremely risqué at the time and that's all I remember of it. What a shocker at the opening of the Tony's that year! Lol but I have to say, Fosca was the character I felt for and loved in this show. She was more real and raw...I never will see her as manipulative or using her disease to gain Giorgio's affection. Her character goes so much more deep than that...it would be as if she was dying of "consumption" or at least that would be my perception. Beautiful show.
@@JulianneHannes Maybe because the Phantom is constantly portrayed as a suave, misunderstood romantic in most of his numbers; instead of a stalker and sociopath... but hey, you do you
coll912 but the Phantom is not suave or charming. He’s just a creeper and a psychopath. Julianne had a point. People are more forgiving of men who “obsessively love” than they are of women who are the same.
EmmaJ.K.88 I think Fosca is similar to the Phantom, but so much more realistic. Her character is built around her ugliness, whereas the Phantom seems to be built around the actors sex appeal.
This was one of the few Sondheim musicals I had not experienced. On this, the day of Sondheim’s death, I just watched this incredible performance. What an incredible score; what an incomparable man. We have lost the greatest Broadway composer of all time!
I made my debut in the big role of soldier #2 in Passion years ago when I was just a chorus singer (and actually lost money on singing it due to parking fees!) . I had nothing decent to sing in the chorus of course, but I sure do remember so many of Fosca's lines...." Look and me...Capitan look at me ....LOOK AT ME!!" Still gives me chills after all these years.
Thank you for posting this difficult, erudite, daring, lyrical, unflinching, deeply Romantic and profoundly moving work. As a Sondheim fan who is often hard pressed to pick a favourite from his oeuvre, I have always held a special spot these last 20 years for this score and its themes, though this was the first time I had the opportunity to see the show itself. As I had heard, Donna Murphy's performance (along with Shea's and Mazzie's) is, to quote Fosca herself, "a revelation", turning what could have been maudlin and melodramatic into a subtle evocation of transcendent love that is so raw and honest we are embarrassed to place next to it our own cluttered, fatuous and cautious love experiences. One is tempted to say that this was probably the bravest musical ever brought to Broadway - not for innovations in form (as with 'Company', 'Sunday in the Park', 'Pacific Overtures') per se but for the sheer subjective hold the piece, through Fosca, has on us. We are no mere observers, but are held as captive as Giorgio and made as feverish, left as wobbly and bare. A great and under appreciated work that somehow, like Fosca, expects no love in return, only that its forces be felt.
+Autostade67 Very well stated Autostade67 - the only exception I take to your assertion is that it is under appreciated. The consensus is that this work is among the finest ever brought to Broadway and I would have to agree.
@@vrunoariel Thank you my friend, for sharing your love, but best to stop it at love for my comment; if you were to ask me who I am closest to in this musical personality wise, it is definitely Fosca!
😱 😍 😲 What ^he^ said!!! Crikey! Reckon I'll need a recovery period from it; I may have to take to my bed a la Fosca. 😢 Damn you, Sondheim!!! Does he even know what he does to us?! 😭 This is perhaps only the third? thing I've ever seen Donna Murphy (aka her off Star Trek: Insurrection) in - I didn't know she'd ever done a musical! #NiceSurprise 😃 And Jere Shea is GORGEOUS!!! 😁 And his voice... 😰 Nicely done, casting people! 😉 👍 #NewDiscovery
The greatest Broadway musical ever created for the stage. Soulful and beautifully written. No where is the human condition explained so well as in this marvelous show.
It astonished me when people make such claims. "Passion" ran for 280 performances. Sondheim isn't my cup of tea. That being said, this isn't in the same league as "Sunday in the Park with George". And what, specifically about it is unparalleled in exploring the human condition. "Our Town" won a Pulitzer Prize (as did "Sunday in the Park... .) How is it superior to the 90's revival of "Showboat" or the themes explored in "Next to Normal"? We all have our pet cats but there's a reason why a show only runs for so few performances. It doesn't explore "the human condition" or resonate with the common theatergoer.
@@andredarin8966 All plays explore the human condition. And not just serious drama. Think of comedies like "You Can't Take it with You," "The Male Animal," "The Women." All of these are better known from their movie adaptations, but they started out as Broadway plays.
This show will undoubtedly go down in muscial theatre history as a true classic.The 3 leads are outstanding and perfectly cast. And each portray their roles with such depth and sensitivity. My favorite musical of all time. This is perfection. RIP Marin Mazzie.
Besides the amazing performances, music, sets, lighting, and etc. Does anyone else kind of jump when Fosca suddenly appears and imposed herself in the scene? It’s just so beautifully done the way they have her cut off whatever was going on before, how she just creeps in to every part of Georgio’s life. Like in ‘I read’ or after ‘Sunrise letter’ it just adds so much to the musical. Amazing work 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Yes! That is one of the main reasons why I like this musical so much! Usually I don't get very emotionally affected by fiction. I never cried in a movie or a play, or anything close to that. But, I remember the first time I watched Passion I got goosebumps every time Fosca did something outrageous that I was not expecting at all. That had never happened to me before while watching any play or movie!
Just watched selected bits of this again. Yup, this was probably the last great Broadway musical mounted. Not that there's anything wrong with recent and contemporary shows - it just seems lately that nothing will ever again be likely to push the boundaries that 'Passion' does, nothing address a level of intelligence and deep personal feeling as this show does, nothing so daringly but elegantly confront the viewer's perceptions of the nature of love. Hats off to this, the "Fosca" of Sonheim's oeuvre, and a fitting bookend to the "Clara" that is the equally elegant "A Little Night Music."
"....I would live and i would die for you" Die for me? What kind of love is that? Truest love. Would Clara give her life for yours? Would she, Giorgio? I would. Happily. And you'll finally see what is beautiful about me. Do you want me to move to another compartment? I freaking broke down and cried like a baby T.T
This has quietly and stealthily become my favorite Sondheim musical. The score is so beautiful. I was 12 when this musical came out and I was a moody, angsty child. Instead of Nirvana, I put this on. And I still play it more than any other Sondheim.
“you do love me, don’t you?” “yes. I do love you.” “say it again.” “I love you.” “once more.” “I love you.” kills me EVERY TIME. this show is a masterpiece.
I saw this on Broadway in the original production with these singers. All I can say is 'wow.' Easily one of the best Broadway experiences I have ever had. The one question I have had since then is why this show is rarely discussed as one of Sondheim's best. For my money, and I have heard them all, this is his best show....at least musically.
@@jaysmith6305 It's certainly his most underrated work. Brave, raw and uncompromising. I have a feeling that it will stand the test of time better than some of his more celebrated works.
I live for the moment Giorgio tells off the Colonel for thinking no man could want her. That's a lie, I live for the moment he gently tells Fosca she looks "charming", a sweet, sincere compliment that actually flusters her for a moment.
Watched this performance for the third time tonight. It still feels strange and lyrical and beautiful and deeply deeply sad. All the performances are perfect. Donna Murphy is equal parts horrifying and fascinating, her voice lingers in my mind. Marin Mazzie is so lovely that knowing she died at 57 feels unbearably cruel. Jere Shea takes a part that could be thankless and makes Giorgio the beating heart of the story. I think this is my favourite musical, but one I can only watch every few years because it hurts too much.
Marin Mazzie was so beautiful. Her Clara was perfection. I can't believe both Marin and Stephen are gone ... This show is disturbing and sumptuous. This cast was chef's kiss amazing 💗🙏🏾
This is Sondheim's State-of-the-Art excellence! Many many thanks. Very rarely does it happen, but I'm so glad when this production does it, as once a sax solo from a young Juilliard ensemble reduced me to forty five minutes of rubble with a face full of tears, and the loss of my faithful small short-haired cat and companion of 19 years - Little Wilsie would do it, and the painful death of my dear wonderful mom in a more profound way would easily shoot me down from some dreamlike euphoria into the grown adult, hopelessly depressed and moved to utter heartbreak in loss. Through the wonder of network repeats I luckily saw this just after my mom had seen it and just before she died of breast cancer in '98. I'll always count on this Sondheim play and this amazing production to stab me hard, a clean bulls eye through the heart again and again. It was a parallel slice of life and death for me. I'd pick up the pieces realizing, when there was so little time, that all 'their love will live in me.' It was one early evening in 1998 I fixed the tuner on the three channel choice TV set, caring for my mom - and on channel 2 (PBS) was Sondheim's 'Passion'. I didn't know what it was, missing the beginning, I told her "What ever this is - it is infinitely better than whatever I'll be watching with the movie crew tonight," and I had a hard time tearing myself away from it, but I'd catch the rerun at 3 till 4:30 a.m. The story was pure heartache. I turned the TV off after the final number and cried like a baby for 45 minutes in wrenching aching pain (for the characters or for my mother or both?!) So that production was 3 hrs 45 minutes long. What was going through your mind to put this superb and utterly obsessive and sad production together? 'Just another love story?' Except it is superb. Just a warning to anyone who needs to hear this; Nothing at all can prepare you for real loss, but this original cast production of "Passion" might come very close.
7.5 years later, your decision to upload this (and the commentary) is more meaningful than ever. Happy to have supported by purchasing the cast recording but the accessibility of this version is vital - thank you.
NO!!!!!!!!!!!! That was SO sad! I loved it. It was so beautiful. I wish that more people had liked this musical when it came out in 1994. I think it would do well in this generation/ century of people though. I wish they would do a revival.
Giorgio realises that Fosca’s love for him it utterly unconditional as she has nothing else really to live for; he then realises that his love for Clara is conditional on her existing marriage and child. It is for that reason he turns to Fosca; he has never experienced unconditional love before Fosca gave it to him, and it is the power of unconditional love that turns him. If you cannot get that then you will have utterly missed the point of the story.
You know, I'd read the synopsis, heard the opening song, but I've never seen the show--it amazes me that Shea and especially Mazzie can sing with support in those positions.
I heard that Sondheim originally wrote the role of Fosca for Patti Lupone, but somehow that never turned out. Nothing against Patti Lupone, but I think Donna pulled it off a lot better. She is a bit more girlish, timid, darker and tremulous, not very brassy at all. I think that suits Fosca better.
Thank you so much uploading this masterpiece. Especially for us who can never experience watching this kind of Musical Theatre in person. I am so grateful!
In beloved memory of MARIN MAZZIE who won a TONY AWARD for Sondheim's PASSION, playing the marvellous FOSCA. She was taken away from us much too soon. Thanks for all the wonderful talent you displayed in so many Broadway shows and other projects outside the theatre. R.I.P.+ beloved Marin.
Guys, it is a TRAGEDY! How many operas are tragedies, and I think "Passion" is really an operetta, (not sure technically). So, what's to criticize? The performances, impeccable, Donna Murphy so expressive, " everyone singing in character, a dead art today! Saw the show 3 times including the question and answer night with Sondheim and Lapine!
God damn! This was so sad! I've always heard about this show, but just now finished watching it for the first time. Wow! I was led to it because a fellow performer said Fosca would be a good part for me (which isn't so because I'm a coloratura soprano.) I was shocked that the officer eventually fell for Fosca; this unattractive, clingy, insecure, depressed, reclusive person. Giorgio's song about "This isn't love" hit me hard because I used to obsess on people just like Fosca did. It was shocking that later he said her love was beautiful because it had no reason, no pride and no shame. He went from saying "I feel NOTHING for you" to "I LOVE you." How is that possible? When he finally wept and said he loved her my jaw literally dropped to the ground! For him to turn around his thinking so extremely is amazing to me. He no longer saw Fosca's love as obsessive and smothering, he saw it as unrestricted by logic or pride, while his former lover's was. It just shows how someone's feelings can change so extremely. Amazing. Well don't James and Mr. Sondheim!
The first time I realized the existence of this story which btw, is somehow based on a slice of the life of Ugo Tarchetti, the writer himself, was when I saw the 1981 movie version of Ettore Scola. The film moved me but not as much as the Broadway version where I found that the two protagonists were more convincing and moving and that the ending is much more better. Bravo for James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim for having managed to make this story more touching and memorable.
TY soooo much for posting this. I am so blessed to have been able to see this original production. Even though I was a HUGE Sondheim fan, I didn't know anything about this show...I sat in that theatre that night and I was DEVASTATED... This show CHANGED me. The depth of sorrow and despair that this work brings up is almost unbearable. The fact that this was a one act with no intermission, really lent to it's power. You were plunged into this world and weren't allowed to leave. You had to stay and experience the emotions.... By the time the incomparable Donna Murphy sand Loving You, you could hear the sobs in the audience. Nothing like it... A true MASTERPIECE of the American theatre.
More fantastic and beautiful than when I saw this very production on Broadway with my dear sister. So glad it was available to relive and enjoy once again. Thank you!
This is my favorite musical ever, Sondheim and anyone else! I bought the DVD, and I've always been afraid that I'll destroy it by watching it so much. Now that I know it's here, I can relax a bit. I found this on a PBS special in 1998 (I think), and I have never gotten over it. I feel for both Fosca and Clara, and even Giorgio! I have the CD of this production as well as the one with Michael Ball. Although I love Michael Ball, I think that Jere Shea portrayed the role so much more effectively. Donna Murphy and Marin Mazzi were also amazing !
thank you sooooo very much for posting this broadway musical. LOVE... LOVE... LOVE. THE JOY AND THE PAIN WE ENDURE IN THE NAME OF LOVE... and still, we choose to fall in love.
Here again after 5 years, after Sondheim is gone. I'm a very different person now than who I was when I first watched this show and as I get older it seems to hit harder and harder.
L was working on the ABCTV's Good morning America when the show was in previews and one Sunday morning we had the opening scene sung live for the broadcast. The couples opening performance was wonderful, that caused me to attend a preview! What surprised me was the audiences reaction as at the intermission, half of them walked out! Later I went back for another performance at which Sondheim had the removed that made a difference in the show was accepted. It is still one of my favorites. Donna Murphy is exceptional as is the entire cast. The staging also added to its beauty with a high stairway for to descend with scrims as walls that helped in the transitions of scenes and moods
Thank you for posting this! I saw the original production and it has never left my memory. The music is wonderful, and Donna Murphy's performance broke my heart. I often think Sondheim's music straddles the line between musicals and opera. He tackles difficult emotions and characters as well as challenging performers with his music. This production hit all the right notes for me. The acting, singing, and staging were all first rate. Thank you again for letting me experience this production all over again.
The Absolute Best Story Ever told on the Stage, of course, Stephen and James, The Music, The Lyrics, The Story, Donna ( Goddess), Marin, (Thank You for Sharing Your Sweet Voice, Taken Too Soon) and Jere, Have Mercy !!!!! 🔥😋
One of my favorite Sondhiem shows. Music that's equal parts haunting and romantic, an asolutely perfect cast. Also, i don’t remember off the top of my head who won best lighting that year, but Passion should have won for 'Flashback' alone (That Sepiatone old school film look for Foscas past with Giorgio and the Colonel in the natural wash, perfect!)
Colin Borden, since I cannot reply to you directly under your comment, I'll write it here. Have you actually watched the show entirely? The whole point is that it is NOT you typical "guy thinks he loves one person but actually loves someone else". As the show progresses, we see that Fosca clings to Giorgio, stalks him, manipulates him, uses her illness to get to him, exploits the fact that he's stuck on duty with her and away from Clara, and it's almost like psychological blackmail. She doesn't mean to (at least I don't think so), but she literally sucks the life out of him while he can't help but fall in love with her, while also going mad. The guy falls for the other girl, yes, but the way it happens is completely atypical, and so are the characters.
Thank you, this was one of the few Sondheim shows I had not seen. I don't think it will be a favorite; but it certainly is involving, and has daring, difficult subject material. The performances were great, and I'm glad I saw it.
"Why is love so easy to give and so difficult to receive?" The story of my life.
I will be eternally grateful that they filmed this production to be enjoyed for the rest of time. A true masterpiece.
And with the original cast!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
59:16
Pretty amazing. Like a time machine. Not to mention the talent. Most people can't sing this well live!
RIP MARIN MAZZIE (10/6/60 - 9/13/18). Thank you for gracing us with your beautiful voice and memorable performances. Gone too soon...
Absolutely. She was perfect as Clara. Her voice is perfection.
One of the best-- singing one of the best!
Donna Murphy is my favorite actress hands down, I am utterly and completely in love with her performance.
Yep, this is why she was hand picked to voice Mother Gothel, hell they wrote it for her and only her
Donna was great but I must say I felt no pity for her character. Despite my comment I still cried at the end. Sad....
Watching this after hearing of Sondheim's death. It's hard to believe that after Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park, Into the Woods (and more), there's yet another masterpiece I haven't seen yet. Although it's sad we'll never get anything new from him again, it's hard to deny he gave us far more than anyone could have asked for. A truly brilliant, creative, empathetic, and generous person.
Well he had been working on a new work with David Ives based on two Luis Bunuel films. He said they were aiming to premier next season so let's see if it is still doable.
Be sure to se Pacific Overtures if you get a chance!
@@williamgardiner2010 On Stephen Colbert's show, Sondheim was his guest. Sondheim revealed that he had finished a new musical, "Square One," and that it had gone through workshops and that they were hoping to mount it next year. That confused me because I, too, thought he was working on a Bunuel musical based on "Exterminating Angel" and 'Discreet Charm, etc." (both having to do with feasting, if you know the two films) called "The End of the World." Leaves me to wonder where that went.
@@hellbenthornball1153 - I'm pretty certain "Square One" is the same Bunuel musical, just with a title change.
I was convinced, after Sondheim's two-volume collection of his lyrics was printed, that there would be no new works from him. Somehow the publication of Finishing/Look crystallised his work into a definitive corpus to which nothing could now be added or taken away, and I wondered then if on some level he knew it.
I saw this musical in a lecture a few years ago, and as a long term sufferer of severe mental illness I identified so severely with Fosca. The negative reactions both from others characters, and from others in my class who absolutely hated both the show and particularly Fosca gave me one of the worst 'brief episodes', as my friend calls them, that I've ever had. This is the first time I've felt brave enough to revisit it and I had forgotten how beautiful it is, a true masterpiece.
emshi21 I hadn't seen it until watching this video. I was only 14 when it came out and the opening scene was extremely risqué at the time and that's all I remember of it. What a shocker at the opening of the Tony's that year! Lol but I have to say, Fosca was the character I felt for and loved in this show. She was more real and raw...I never will see her as manipulative or using her disease to gain Giorgio's affection. Her character goes so much more deep than that...it would be as if she was dying of "consumption" or at least that would be my perception. Beautiful show.
Funny how Fosca is hated and vehemetely reviled but the Phantom is beloved and ardently symphathized, that's patriarchy for you
@@JulianneHannes Maybe because the Phantom is constantly portrayed as a suave, misunderstood romantic in most of his numbers; instead of a stalker and sociopath... but hey, you do you
coll912 but the Phantom is not suave or charming. He’s just a creeper and a psychopath. Julianne had a point. People are more forgiving of men who “obsessively love” than they are of women who are the same.
EmmaJ.K.88 I think Fosca is similar to the Phantom, but so much more realistic. Her character is built around her ugliness, whereas the Phantom seems to be built around the actors sex appeal.
This was one of the few Sondheim musicals I had not experienced. On this, the day of Sondheim’s death, I just watched this incredible performance. What an incredible score; what an incomparable man. We have lost the greatest Broadway composer of all time!
Donna Murphy is amazing point blank period
Add exclamation point!
This breaks my heart every time I watch it. 'To die loved is to have lived ', what a line ! Stephen Sondheim has a beautiful soul x
I cry every time I watch this. My heart goes out to both Fosca and Giorgio. When Fosca dies, her last statement, "Your love lives on inside of me."
"When Fosca dies..." ?? OH, thanks a lot!!!
@@MrDanampa little late to be complaining about spoilers I think. 😂
I made my debut in the big role of soldier #2 in Passion years ago when I was just a chorus singer (and actually lost money on singing it due to parking fees!) . I had nothing decent to sing in the chorus of course, but I sure do remember so many of Fosca's lines...." Look and me...Capitan look at me ....LOOK AT ME!!" Still gives me chills after all these years.
Please write a book about parking fees ourweighing your salary! Not gonna lie, it's sadly realistic.
One of the best theatrical performances EVER.
Thank you for posting this difficult, erudite, daring, lyrical, unflinching, deeply Romantic and profoundly moving work. As a Sondheim fan who is often hard pressed to pick a favourite from his oeuvre, I have always held a special spot these last 20 years for this score and its themes, though this was the first time I had the opportunity to see the show itself. As I had heard, Donna Murphy's performance (along with Shea's and Mazzie's) is, to quote Fosca herself, "a revelation", turning what could have been maudlin and melodramatic into a subtle evocation of transcendent love that is so raw and honest we are embarrassed to place next to it our own cluttered, fatuous and cautious love experiences.
One is tempted to say that this was probably the bravest musical ever brought to Broadway - not for innovations in form (as with 'Company', 'Sunday in the Park', 'Pacific Overtures') per se but for the sheer subjective hold the piece, through Fosca, has on us. We are no mere observers, but are held as captive as Giorgio and made as feverish, left as wobbly and bare. A great and under appreciated work that somehow, like Fosca, expects no love in return, only that its forces be felt.
Now, ^this^ is a good way of putting it, but with rather more *ELOQUENCE* than I myself could muster! 😃
+Autostade67 Very well stated Autostade67 - the only exception I take to your assertion is that it is under appreciated. The consensus is that this work is among the finest ever brought to Broadway and I would have to agree.
i love you for this comment
@@vrunoariel Thank you my friend, for sharing your love, but best to stop it at love for my comment; if you were to ask me who I am closest to in this musical personality wise, it is definitely Fosca!
"How quickly pity turns to love." Musicals rarely say things like that!
It drew me in in the first 5mins. Damn you Mr. Sondheim.
😱 😍 😲 What ^he^ said!!! Crikey! Reckon I'll need a recovery period from it; I may have to take to my bed a la Fosca. 😢 Damn you, Sondheim!!! Does he even know what he does to us?! 😭 This is perhaps only the third? thing I've ever seen Donna Murphy (aka her off Star Trek: Insurrection) in - I didn't know she'd ever done a musical! #NiceSurprise 😃 And Jere Shea is GORGEOUS!!! 😁 And his voice... 😰 Nicely done, casting people! 😉 👍 #NewDiscovery
The greatest Broadway musical ever created for the stage. Soulful and beautifully written. No where is the human condition explained so well as in this marvelous show.
+David's Broadway Station AMEN!
An Amen to that from me toon
Eww
It astonished me when people make such claims. "Passion" ran for 280 performances. Sondheim isn't my
cup of tea. That being said, this isn't in the same league as "Sunday in the Park with George".
And what, specifically about it is unparalleled in exploring the human condition. "Our Town" won a Pulitzer Prize (as did "Sunday in the Park... .)
How is it superior to the 90's revival of "Showboat" or the themes explored in "Next to Normal"?
We all have our pet cats but there's a reason why a show only runs for so few performances. It doesn't explore "the human condition" or resonate with the common theatergoer.
@@andredarin8966 All plays explore the human condition. And not just serious drama. Think of comedies like "You Can't Take it with You," "The Male Animal," "The Women." All of these are better known from their movie adaptations, but they started out as Broadway plays.
One of my fsvorite quotes is from this:
"Beauty is power
Longing, a disease."
So true..
This show will undoubtedly go down in muscial theatre history as a true classic.The 3 leads are outstanding and perfectly cast. And each portray their roles with such depth and sensitivity. My favorite musical of all time. This is perfection. RIP Marin Mazzie.
I feel it's underrated, so I hope it gets the recognition it deserves.
Besides the amazing performances, music, sets, lighting, and etc.
Does anyone else kind of jump when Fosca suddenly appears and imposed herself in the scene? It’s just so beautifully done the way they have her cut off whatever was going on before, how she just creeps in to every part of Georgio’s life. Like in ‘I read’ or after ‘Sunrise letter’ it just adds so much to the musical. Amazing work 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Yes! That is one of the main reasons why I like this musical so much!
Usually I don't get very emotionally affected by fiction. I never cried in a movie or a play, or anything close to that. But, I remember the first time I watched Passion I got goosebumps every time Fosca did something outrageous that I was not expecting at all. That had never happened to me before while watching any play or movie!
The best Soundheim ... full of love and passion!! Donna Murphy is breathtaking!!
Rest in peace, Marin. God bless you for everything you've done.
Saw her in this with Jere Shea and Donna Murphy on Broadway in... ‘94/‘95?
Still love this show so much.
Also, Tom Aldredge, who was so good in "Into the Woods," is no longer with us.
Also, the wonderful Stephen Sondheim passed away as well.
To all involved… Thank you for this.
Just watched selected bits of this again. Yup, this was probably the last great Broadway musical mounted. Not that there's anything wrong with recent and contemporary shows - it just seems lately that nothing will ever again be likely to push the boundaries that 'Passion' does, nothing address a level of intelligence and deep personal feeling as this show does, nothing so daringly but elegantly confront the viewer's perceptions of the nature of love. Hats off to this, the "Fosca" of Sonheim's oeuvre, and a fitting bookend to the "Clara" that is the equally elegant "A Little Night Music."
Autostade67 apart from hamilton😊😊😊😊. But yeah other than that I agree
The Light in the Piazza?
@@juicybutterriblydrab Yes, Piazza was the only show that I feel ever came close after Passion.
@@robbbish Not to mention it's got another Clara.
@@juicybutterriblydrab We probably should be friends.
Passion is a beautiful and raw musical on how painful and ugly love can be and that is the beauty of it. Even Fosca who is ugly is beautiful to me.
"....I would live and i would die for you"
Die for me? What kind of love is that?
Truest love. Would Clara give her life for yours? Would she, Giorgio? I would. Happily. And you'll finally see what is beautiful about me.
Do you want me to move to another compartment?
I freaking broke down and cried like a baby T.T
First watch. I am devastated.
This has quietly and stealthily become my favorite Sondheim musical. The score is so beautiful. I was 12 when this musical came out and I was a moody, angsty child. Instead of Nirvana, I put this on. And I still play it more than any other Sondheim.
This is such a hidden gem, truly one of the great Sondheim musicals, beautifully acted and performed, bravo to all.
“you do love me, don’t you?”
“yes. I do love you.”
“say it again.”
“I love you.”
“once more.”
“I love you.”
kills me EVERY TIME. this show is a masterpiece.
She is a freaking nutter! She manipulated and treated him so horrible, and played the victim!
This makes me cry everytime. Despite everything, everyone deserves to love and be loved xxx
The music, but most importantly the ACTING. I wept. Bravissimo.
I saw this on Broadway in the original production with these singers. All I can say is 'wow.' Easily one of the best Broadway experiences I have ever had. The one question I have had since then is why this show is rarely discussed as one of Sondheim's best. For my money, and I have heard them all, this is his best show....at least musically.
Simply because most people hated it. And worse - found it funny.
His Masterpiece in my opinion!
I agree
@@jaysmith6305 It's certainly his most underrated work. Brave, raw and uncompromising.
I have a feeling that it will stand the test of time better than some of his more celebrated works.
One of my favorite musicals of all time. The score is so underrated, and "I Wish I Could Forget You" is sublime. Donna Murphy was stunning.
I live for the moment Giorgio tells off the Colonel for thinking no man could want her.
That's a lie, I live for the moment he gently tells Fosca she looks "charming", a sweet, sincere compliment that actually flusters her for a moment.
My favorite musical ever.
One of the most beautiful and deeply moving musicals I have ever seen. Never cried so hard while watching a musical too!
I’ve played this CD so many times that i can sing along with all of them.
Watched this performance for the third time tonight. It still feels strange and lyrical and beautiful and deeply deeply sad. All the performances are perfect. Donna Murphy is equal parts horrifying and fascinating, her voice lingers in my mind. Marin Mazzie is so lovely that knowing she died at 57 feels unbearably cruel. Jere Shea takes a part that could be thankless and makes Giorgio the beating heart of the story. I think this is my favourite musical, but one I can only watch every few years because it hurts too much.
Marin Mazzie was so beautiful. Her Clara was perfection. I can't believe both Marin and Stephen are gone ... This show is disturbing and sumptuous.
This cast was chef's kiss amazing
💗🙏🏾
This is Sondheim's State-of-the-Art excellence! Many many thanks. Very rarely does it happen, but I'm so glad when this production does it, as once a sax solo from a young Juilliard ensemble reduced me to forty five minutes of rubble with a face full of tears, and the loss of my faithful small short-haired cat and companion of 19 years - Little Wilsie would do it, and the painful death of my dear wonderful mom in a more profound way would easily shoot me down from some dreamlike euphoria into the grown adult, hopelessly depressed and moved to utter heartbreak in loss. Through the wonder of network repeats I luckily saw this just after my mom had seen it and just before she died of breast cancer in '98. I'll always count on this Sondheim play and this amazing production to stab me hard, a clean bulls eye through the heart again and again. It was a parallel slice of life and death for me. I'd pick up the pieces realizing, when there was so little time, that all 'their love will live in me.' It was one early evening in 1998 I fixed the tuner on the three channel choice TV set, caring for my mom - and on channel 2 (PBS) was Sondheim's 'Passion'. I didn't know what it was, missing the beginning, I told her "What ever this is - it is infinitely better than whatever I'll be watching with the movie crew tonight," and I had a hard time tearing myself away from it, but I'd catch the rerun at 3 till 4:30 a.m. The story was pure heartache. I turned the TV off after the final number and cried like a baby for 45 minutes in wrenching aching pain (for the characters or for my mother or both?!) So that production was 3 hrs 45 minutes long. What was going through your mind to put this superb and utterly obsessive and sad production together? 'Just another love story?' Except it is superb. Just a warning to anyone who needs to hear this; Nothing at all can prepare you for real loss, but this original cast production of "Passion" might come very close.
Robert Acorn I love this thanks for sharing your experience
The acting in this is astounding, I’m so glad to have had the honour to have watched this, thank you for this uploading. A real treasure.
7.5 years later, your decision to upload this (and the commentary) is more meaningful than ever. Happy to have supported by purchasing the cast recording but the accessibility of this version is vital - thank you.
Shoutout to the design team of this production!
Fosca’s red gown is stunning!
NO!!!!!!!!!!!! That was SO sad! I loved it. It was so beautiful. I wish that more people had liked this musical when it came out in 1994. I think it would do well in this generation/ century of people though. I wish they would do a revival.
Nevermind. I just found out there have been revivals. Yay!
They did with Judy Kuhn as Tosca
I have never seen such great acting
Lmao when Giorgio says he wishes to see Fosca and the doctor replies "... what?!", I feel that, that was literally my reaction lmao
Giorgio realises that Fosca’s love for him it utterly unconditional as she has nothing else really to live for; he then realises that his love for Clara is conditional on her existing marriage and child. It is for that reason he turns to Fosca; he has never experienced unconditional love before Fosca gave it to him, and it is the power of unconditional love that turns him. If you cannot get that then you will have utterly missed the point of the story.
Thank you for posting this gem of a musical. Watching it made me more human.
Among the greatest musicals ever written.
Donna Murphy...magnifique! Sondheim... incomparable.
Such a beautiful show, I wish more people knew about it and performed it!
I simply cannot fathom how someone could dislike this show.
Such a beautiful and tragic tale and Stephen served it well. Definitely a 2 tissue musical
This is unbelievable, heartbraking and one of my favorite ones. Great work!
You know, I'd read the synopsis, heard the opening song, but I've never seen the show--it amazes me that Shea and especially Mazzie can sing with support in those positions.
Saw the OBC when I was in college. In a word, BRILLIANT.
Ohhhhh! I haven't heard this music in a very long time. I love it even more now. Thank you so much for posting it!
Donna Murphy is astounding.
The written work, the music so beautifully composed and structured... it is and always be a beautiful, haunting work.
I heard that Sondheim originally wrote the role of Fosca for Patti Lupone, but somehow that never turned out. Nothing against Patti Lupone, but I think Donna pulled it off a lot better. She is a bit more girlish, timid, darker and tremulous, not very brassy at all. I think that suits Fosca better.
+Bok Choy Patti did play the role of Fosca at the Ravinia festival back in 2003. Unfortunately, I did not see it.
The 2003 performance, filmed for PBS, is available with LuPone playing Fosca, and Michael Cerveris as Giorgio.
And Audra McDonald as Clara.
Here's the link:
ua-cam.com/video/AoX9_tJZhKM/v-deo.html
I never got why Patti at 56 played girl in late twenties
Bok Choy a
Thank you so much uploading this masterpiece. Especially for us who can never experience watching this kind of Musical Theatre in person.
I am so grateful!
I was shaken to the core when I watched the musical lol
In beloved memory of MARIN MAZZIE who won a TONY AWARD for Sondheim's PASSION,
playing the marvellous FOSCA.
She was taken away from us much too soon. Thanks for all the wonderful talent you
displayed in so many Broadway shows and other projects outside the theatre. R.I.P.+
beloved Marin.
RIP Marin, an absolute star, but Fosca was played by Donna Murphy. Marin played Clara
Marin was THE Clara. Period.
Perfection.
Guys, it is a TRAGEDY! How many operas are tragedies, and I think "Passion" is really an operetta, (not sure technically). So, what's to criticize? The performances, impeccable, Donna Murphy so expressive, " everyone singing in character, a dead art today! Saw the show 3 times including the question and answer night with Sondheim and Lapine!
Sondheim is a genius! This was truly a magnificent piece! Thank you so much for posting!
God damn! This was so sad! I've always heard about this show, but just now finished watching it for the first time. Wow! I was led to it because a fellow performer said Fosca would be a good part for me (which isn't so because I'm a coloratura soprano.) I was shocked that the officer eventually fell for Fosca; this unattractive, clingy, insecure, depressed, reclusive person. Giorgio's song about "This isn't love" hit me hard because I used to obsess on people just like Fosca did. It was shocking that later he said her love was beautiful because it had no reason, no pride and no shame. He went from saying "I feel NOTHING for you" to "I LOVE you." How is that possible? When he finally wept and said he loved her my jaw literally dropped to the ground! For him to turn around his thinking so extremely is amazing to me. He no longer saw Fosca's love as obsessive and smothering, he saw it as unrestricted by logic or pride, while his former lover's was. It just shows how someone's feelings can change so extremely. Amazing. Well don't James and Mr. Sondheim!
+Lila' Angelique Let me add, I do find Fosca's passion, her quietness, her dedication and her introversion beautiful.
He fell in love with her when she finally let him go. Definitely not a model of a healthy relationship, more of an exploration of a theme.
Finally, I get this show. I am growing to love it. Such a lovely production, too. A shame it's not available on DVD in the UK.
The first time I realized the existence of this story which btw, is somehow based on a slice of the life of Ugo Tarchetti, the writer himself, was when I saw the 1981 movie version of Ettore Scola. The film moved me but not as much as the Broadway version where I found that the two protagonists were more convincing and moving and that the ending is much more better. Bravo for James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim for having managed to make this story more touching and memorable.
One of the most beautiful, moving musical plays I’ve ever seen. Period.
TY soooo much for posting this.
I am so blessed to have been able to see this original production. Even though I was a HUGE Sondheim fan, I didn't know anything about this show...I sat in that theatre that night and I was DEVASTATED... This show CHANGED me. The depth of sorrow and despair that this work brings up is almost unbearable.
The fact that this was a one act with no intermission, really lent to it's power. You were plunged into this world and weren't allowed to leave. You had to stay and experience the emotions....
By the time the incomparable Donna Murphy sand Loving You, you could hear the sobs in the audience. Nothing like it... A true MASTERPIECE of the American theatre.
Fantastic. Amazing that this masterpiece is available for free here.
More fantastic and beautiful than when I saw this very production on Broadway with my dear sister. So glad it was available to relive and enjoy once again. Thank you!
Sondheim will never cease to surprise me. He is my favorite composer.. and now finding this show oh my god is he actually god?
This is my favorite musical ever, Sondheim and anyone else! I bought the DVD, and I've always been afraid that I'll destroy it by watching it so much. Now that I know it's here, I can relax a bit. I found this on a PBS special in 1998 (I think), and I have never gotten over it. I feel for both Fosca and Clara, and even Giorgio! I have the CD of this production as well as the one with Michael Ball. Although I love Michael Ball, I think that Jere Shea portrayed the role so much more effectively. Donna Murphy and Marin Mazzi were also amazing !
Be sure to go to a save video site and download the mov file incase the copyright police delete this off youtube
Excellent! Everyone should see this show
Thank you very much for posting!! It's wonderful!! ^^
Listened to this after my dad bought the cd. Had never heard of it but am a Sondheim fan. Finding this video on UA-cam was a great find.
thank you sooooo very much for posting this broadway musical. LOVE... LOVE... LOVE. THE JOY AND THE PAIN WE ENDURE IN THE NAME OF LOVE... and still, we choose to fall in love.
Saw a wonderful production at The Donmar a few years back. Elena Rogers was amazing. It’s a tough piece to pull off, but they did it.
Always will remain my absolute favorite..... always
Here again after 5 years, after Sondheim is gone. I'm a very different person now than who I was when I first watched this show and as I get older it seems to hit harder and harder.
L was working on the ABCTV's Good morning America when the show was in previews and one Sunday morning we had the opening scene sung live for the broadcast. The couples opening performance was wonderful, that caused me to attend a preview! What surprised me was the audiences reaction as at the intermission, half of them walked out! Later I went back for another performance at which Sondheim had the removed that made a difference in the show was accepted. It is still one of my favorites. Donna Murphy is exceptional as is the entire cast.
The staging also added to its beauty with a high stairway for to descend with scrims as walls that helped in the transitions of scenes and moods
Thank you for posting this! I saw the original production and it has never left my memory. The music is wonderful, and Donna Murphy's performance broke my heart. I often think Sondheim's music straddles the line between musicals and opera. He tackles difficult emotions and characters as well as challenging performers with his music. This production hit all the right notes for me. The acting, singing, and staging were all first rate. Thank you again for letting me experience this production all over again.
0:03 Happiness. 0:55
16:36 I read
33:31 Transition #2
35:19 Trio
59:16 Flashback
1:06:39 Sunrise letter
Marin Mazzie was THE Clara. RIP 💗💗💗🙏🏾
This cast was/is perfection
Perhaps the greatest musical ever. Yes, you have to have lived life to appreciate it but that's on on YOU.
Such a beautiful and touching performance. And this posting is definitely a better quality. Thanks for posting
The Absolute Best Story Ever told on the Stage, of course, Stephen and James, The Music, The Lyrics, The Story, Donna ( Goddess), Marin, (Thank You for Sharing Your Sweet Voice, Taken Too Soon) and Jere, Have Mercy !!!!! 🔥😋
One of my favorite Sondhiem shows.
Music that's equal parts haunting and romantic, an asolutely perfect cast.
Also, i don’t remember off the top of my head who won best lighting that year, but Passion should have won for 'Flashback' alone
(That Sepiatone old school film look for Foscas past with Giorgio and the Colonel in the natural wash, perfect!)
Colin Borden, since I cannot reply to you directly under your comment, I'll write it here. Have you actually watched the show entirely? The whole point is that it is NOT you typical "guy thinks he loves one person but actually loves someone else". As the show progresses, we see that Fosca clings to Giorgio, stalks him, manipulates him, uses her illness to get to him, exploits the fact that he's stuck on duty with her and away from Clara, and it's almost like psychological blackmail. She doesn't mean to (at least I don't think so), but she literally sucks the life out of him while he can't help but fall in love with her, while also going mad. The guy falls for the other girl, yes, but the way it happens is completely atypical, and so are the characters.
So it's really Fatal Attraction? Right?
This was incredible, thank you
OMG IM LOVING IT
Thanks for the better quality!
hauntingly brilliant
❤❤❤❤❤
What a masterpiece!
Long Live Sondheim. Thank you Maestro!
1:38:07 his hands are adorable and so tine hahahahahaha
Thank you, this was one of the few Sondheim shows I had not seen. I don't think it will be a favorite; but it certainly is involving, and has daring, difficult subject material. The performances were great, and I'm glad I saw it.
perfection
You can see such sadness and loneliness in Fosca eyes.
sondheim is perfect. it's unfair