PASADENA, CA -- A concert version of Passion, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, based on the film "Passione d'Amore," directed by Ettorne Scola, will be the final offering of the Musical Theatre Guild's 1999 season at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Passion, a southern California professional premiere, will be presented Monday, June 7 at 7.30 PM for one performance only.

The Sondheim work opened in New York in 1994 and ran 281 performances, winning three Tony Awards. It is set in 19th century Italy and focuses on an intense love affair between an army captain and the sister of his commanding officer. Lead Broadway roles were played by Jere Shea, Marin Mazzie and Donna Murphy.

Other Sondheim musicals include Merrily We Roll Along, Company and Into The Woods.

Michael Michetti directs a cast that includes Eileen Barnett (Fosca), Teri Bibb, David Engel (Giorgio), Michael G. Hawkins, Michael Winters and DC Anderson. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 S. El Molino. Call (818) 848-6844 or e-mail [email protected].

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent