 Stephen Sondheim (qv) and James Lapine (qv) recalled on the DVD  commentary that this show had huge problems in rehearsals, partly  because Fosca was so unlikeable and partly because elements that  were familiar to 19th century audiences appeared bizarre to 20th  century audiences. Donna Murphy (qv) reminded the other  commentators that at one preview performance, when Fosca collapsed,  the audience applauded.