The complex landscape of the human heart is the subject of PASSION, a haunting, intensely emotional musical by the creators of Into The Woods and Sunday In The Park With George, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine.

A remote military outpost in 19th century Italy, a handsome army captain, separated from his beautiful – but married – mistress, is forced to re–evaluate his beliefs about love when he becomes the object of the obsessive, unrelenting passions of his Colonel’s ordinary, ailing cousin.

Bold, unexpected and thrilling, PASSION is one of Stephen Sondheim’s most emotional works. Intimate, raw, erotic and dark, it explores universal yet often unspoken truths.

The sweeping, romantic score (Sondheim describes it as one long rhapsody) accompanies an intelligent, thought-provoking book which bears James Lapine’s trademark lyricism and a host of well-drawn characters. The 2014 Australian production of PASSION starred Kane Alexander (Giorgio), Silvie Paladino (Clara), Theresa Borg (Fosca) and John O’May (Doctor Tambourri). The cast also featured Mark Dickinson, Jolyon James, Cameron MacDonald, Glaston Toft, Tod Strike and Troy Sussman. Directed by Neil Gooding and Musical Director Guy Simpson.

Reviews

  • Borg plays Fosca without restraint, alive to the character’s horrific cunning, but unwavering in her resolve. There is an obstinate dignity in her that eventually blooms into a kind of spiritual expansiveness, and it is transfixing to watch.

    - Tim Byrne, Australian Book Review Arts Update

  • Exuding the crippling self-doubt that has hindered Fosca’s emotional development, [Theresa] Borg effectively juggles our sympathy, distrust and affection. Soprano Borg reveals a surprisingly strong lower chest voice that suits the dramatic flourishes of the role’s music.

    - Simon Parris, Man in Chair

  • Theresa Borg captures the melancholic Fosca in her portrayal of this pallid, dark-eyed wraith who drifts in and out of the soldier’s mess, grasping at Georgio, demanding his love and manipulating him into spending time with her. Borg’s upper register is pretty as she expresses Fosca’s pitiful need and ignorance of love.

    - Kate Herbert, Herald Sun

Photos
Credits
Clara
Silvie Paladino

Silvie has established herself as one of Australia’s most versatile and talented entertainers.

Giorgio
Kane Alexander

Kane is best known for his lead roles in Urinetown, Hair and Les Miserables.

Fosca
Theresa Borg

Theresa played Cosette in the tenth anniversary tour of Les Miserables and has played Christine in The Phantom of the Opera.

Doctor Tambourri
John O’May

John has performed for many years in The Phantom of the Opera playing both Monsieur Andre and Monsieur Firmin around the world.

Colonel Ricci
Mark Dickinson

Mark spent years in London performing in numerous shows including Les Miserables and Disney’s High School Musical.

Major Rizzolli
Jolyon James

Jolyon has been seen in Moonshadow, Shane Warne: The Musical, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia! and Into the Woods.

Private Augenti
Cameron MacDonald

Cameron has appeared in Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia, Altar Boyz and Jersey Boys.

Lieutenant Torasso
Tod Strike

Tod has appeared in Hair, Assassins, Love Never Dies and South Pacific.

Sergeant Lombardi
Troy Sussman

Troy has had a significant performing career in Australia, Asia and on London’s West End in numerous productions.

Lieutenant Barri
Glaston Toft

Glaston performed as Nick Massi in Jersey Boys for over four years and 1300 performances.

Director
Neil Gooding

Neil has produced and directed Hairspray, The Wizard Of Oz, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Oliver!

Musical Director
Guy Simpson

Guy has been working as a Conductor, Musical Director and Musical Supervisor for 35 years.