Passion is not for everybody and it will test the patience of some. It still however has Sondheim's beautiful music and intelligent lyrics, and the story is poignant once you stick with it. And this is an incredible performance, if you love Passion(I myself think that while it's not Sondheim's best that it's misunderstood) you'll find much pleasure in the performance. The production is transferred to DVD beautifully, sharp, fluid and clear, has simple but effective sets and costumes and it's a cleverly lit production also. With the way the orchestra play Sondheim's music positively sweeps, and the tempos are all appropriate to the moods each song is conveying. The drama and what's happening on stage is genuinely poignant and once you stick with the production and the musical itself you'll be drawn in. Fosca is also very easy to identify with. And that is mainly because of the unforgettable performance of Donna Murphy, a powerful and moving performance if there ever was one, she doesn't just perform Fosca, she becomes Fosca. Marin Mazzie is superb as well, beautiful voice and compelling acting complete with personal beauty and charm. Jere Shea has a great voice and is heartfelt towards the end, but his acting is rather wooden most of the time. That's the only speck of a criticism to be had with the production though. In conclusion, patience-testing on first viewing but stick with it and once you get past Shea's acting this is an incredible performance of an underrated Sondheim. To be seen especially for Murphy, who gives the performance-of-a-lifetime, and probably has not been better than here. 9.5/10 Bethany Cox
