Passion
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Music by Stephen Sondheim and Book by James Lapine
Based on the film "Passione d'Amore", originally directed by Ettore Scola
PASSION is an intense and hauntingly beautiful musical exploring the complexities of love, obsession, and desire. Set in 19th-century Italy, the story follows a young soldier, Giorgio, who becomes entangled in a passionate and consuming relationship with Fosca, a sickly but deeply emotional woman. With a lush and powerful score, PASSION delves into the darker, more vulnerable sides of human connection, offering an unforgettable journey into the nature of love and its transformative power.
This production is made possible by our generous season sponsors, Michael and Mona Heath.
Praise for Passion
“Director Danny Kapinos has done right by Passion thanks to fine staging and talented actors who can sing... For any Sondheim fan, this production is a must; for anyone who has not seen Passion before, it can be a challenging and ultimately rewarding revelation.” - Mark Reinecke, Around the Town Chicago
“To put it simply, Passion is a feat. Whether you are a long-time Sondheim fan or this is your introduction, the stunning vocalists and a gorgeous score make this production an experience to remember.” - Lauren Katz, Third Coast Review
“If you’ve never seen Passion, Blank Theatre’s production is a great way to experience it for the first time.” - John Accrocco, Buzz Center Stage
“Blank Theatre Company has really outdone themselves with this show... This show impressed me with how they executed such a complicated story and score with apparent ease. The show was truly beautiful and it’s stayed with me in the days since I saw it. They should be incredibly proud of themselves for the show they have made, and you should absolutely make a point of seeing it.” - Kevin Curran, Chicago Theatre Review
“Blank Theatre Company’s current chamber production at the Greenhouse, directed by Danny Kapinos, plays it simple and devoid of stereotypical operatic bombast, and the result is a largely absorbing 90-minute showcase for the performers...” - Kerry Reid, Chicago Reader
Cast
Giorgio: Evan Bradford
Fosca: Brittney Brown
Clara: Rachel Guth*
Colonel Ricci: Myles Mattsey
Doctor Tambourri: Kingsley Day
Fosca's Mother/Attendant: Sarah Sapperstein
Major Rizzoli/Fosca's Father: Korey White
Lieutenant Barri: Matthew Benenson Cruz
Lieutenant Torasso/Count Ludovic: Christopher Ratliff
Private Augenti: Aidan Leake
Mistress/Attendant: Ella Gatlin
Sergeant Lombardi: Marc Bitler
Understudies
Giorgio/Colonel Ricci: Jake Elkins
Fosca: Sarah Sapperstein
Clara: Ella Gatlin
Doctor Tambourri: Matthew Benenson Cruz
Fosca's Mother/Mistress/Attendant: Halli Morgan*
Major Rizzoli/Fosca's Father/Sergeant Lombardi: Brian James
Lieutenant Torasso/Count Ludovic/Private Augenti/ Lieutenant Barri: Joe Grudt
*Designates Blank Company Member
Production Team
Director: Danny Kapinos*
Music Director: Aaron Kaplan
Assoc. Music Director: Evelyn Ryan
Assistant Director: Sam Shankman
Stage Manager: Shelby Burgus
Costume Designer: Cindy Moon
Lighting Designer: Seojung Jang
Scenic Designer: Hayley Wallenfeldt
Technical Director: Andersonville Scenic Studios