Melissa Errico has dropped out of Classic Stage Company's revival of Passion due to illness and doctor-ordered vocal rest. Understudy Amy Justman will step in to the role of Carla in the James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim musical for the final 11 performances at the off-Broadway theater. Passion is scheduled to run through April 19.
Errico, who originated the role of Clara, has been out of the show with bronchitis since March 21. PS Classics previously announced that they had postponed the cast recording of Passion until Errico is fully recovered. A new recording and release date will be announced soon.
Directed by John Doyle, and also starring Ryan Silverman and Tony nominee Judy Kuhn, Passion opened at the off-Broadway theater on February 28. The musical follows handsome soldier Giorgio (Silverman), who becomes the object of obsessive love from Fosca (Kuhn), his colonel's chronically ill, bedridden cousin. The story unfolds as Giorgio sends and receives letters from his mistress, Clara.
Justman has appeared on Broadway in Irving Berlin's White Christmas and Company.