Original Passion Stars Donna Murphy & Marin Mazzie Dreamcast the Upcoming Revival and Reminisce About Stage Nudity

Stephen Sondheim devotees aren't the only ones looking forward to the Classic Stage Company's 2013 revival of Passion, Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony-winning 1994 musical. The show’s original leading ladies, Donna Murphy and Marin Mazzie, are also eagerly awaiting the John Doyle directed production. Broadway.com recently found out, however, their anticipation isn't entirely unadulterated.

“It makes me feel very old, when they’re reviving a show you think you did not that long ago,” Murphy, who won a Tony for her role as Passion’s homely, sickly Fosca, told Broadway.com. “And then you realize, ‘Well, I did do a 10-year anniversary concert…” she joked. “But you know what? I’m excited. I happen to think it’s one of the most beautiful pieces [Sondheim] has ever written, and I think everything he’s ever written is spectacular. But it did make me feel a little old.”

Adapted from the film Passione d'Amore and set in 19th century Italy, Passion follows handsome soldier Giorgio, who becomes the object of obsessive love from Fosca, his colonel's chronically ill, bedridden cousin. The story unfolds as Giorgio sends and receives letters from his mistress, Clara (Mazzie).

Mazzie echoed her former co-star’s enthusiastic sentiments. “I think it’s such a beautiful show, and the score is so amazing,” she told Broadway.com. “So I’m excited that it’s coming back, and to see someone else’s incarnation of it. It’ll be interesting.”

Murphy is also looking forward to seeing another actress' take on her challenging Passion role. “I’m just happy for whatever actress gets a chance to play a role like [Fosca]," she said. “And Giorgio, too. All of the roles.” She even shared a little less-than-serious insight on what it takes to play Fosca. Besides being very glamorous and gorgeous, of course, you have to “Have a lot of super high notes,” she said, “And you’ve got to be very perky. So maybe Kristin [Chenoweth] will want to do it. That’s kind of on-the-nose casting, though,” she laughed.

For her part, Mazzie knows the one question the actress cast as Clara will hear the rest of her career: Getting asked about baring her breasts on stage? “Exactly!” she exclaimed. “Being completely naked and asked ‘What was that like?’ It was fun!”