John Doyle to Direct Stephen Sondheim's Passion at Classic Stage Company

Tony winner John Doyle (Sweeney Todd, Company) will direct a revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony-winning musical Passion at off-Broadway's Classic Stage Company. Performances begin at a yet to be determined date in February 2013. No casting has been announced at this time.

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.

Passion originally opened on Broadway on May 9, 1994 at the Plymouth Theatre and ran for 280 performances. Directed by Lapine, the production starred Donna Murphy, Jere Shea, Marin Mazzie and Tom Aldredge. The show earned Tony Awards for Best Musical as well as trophies for Sondheim's score, Lapine's book and star Donna Murphy.