Stephen Sondheim's Passion (Original Broadway Cast)
ThePassionDVD commentary track offers a rare opportunity to hear composerStephen Sondheimdiscussing his work, joined by writer-director James Lapine, artistic associate Ira Weitzman, and actors Donna Murphy, Marin Mazzie, and Jere Shea.  (Sondheim, Lapine, and cast also recorded a commentary forSunday in the Park with George.) Things get off to a rousing star with the opening nude scene, as the others pepper Mazzie with questions such as where the microphone was stashed.  Their giddiness is a lot of fun (after one five-second waltz they say "We hope you enjoyed the big dance number!" and Murphy recalls that her husband asked, "Do I have to havebreakfastwith Fosca?  Wash your hair, for Chrissakes!").  But there are serious moments too.Passionis a powerful, challenging work that tends to polarize audiences, and the group discusses how they felt about some of the reactions they received.  Note that the commentary should put to rest the old rumor that they filmed an alternate version of the opening scene that revealed more nudity.--David Horiuchi