Candide by Theater Latte Da and VocalEssence

When: March 20-24
At: Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts
Running Time: two and a half hours with intermish

About:
"A tale exploding with star-crossed lovers, melodramatic villains, broad comedy, and a beautiful score, Candide combines the power of opera with the delights of musical theatre. Wrapped in irony, this musical follows the optimistic young Candide in search of “the best of all possible worlds" on an extraordinary journey to reunite with his soulmate. An all-star cast will be joined by a full orchestra and a chorus of sixty--the perfect way to savor the epic beauty of Bernstein's remarkable score."

What We Thought:

Phinehas Bynum, Bradley Greenwald, Philip Brunelle,
and Liv Redpath. Photo by Allen Weeks

Candide includes some of Leonard Bernstein's most memorable music, including the familiar overture, which serves as the theme for PBS's "Live from Lincoln Center."


The book has been revised numerous times since the original 1956 version written by Lillian Hellman. Theater Latte Da and VocalEssence use the Royal National Theatre Version of the play, performed in what the program calls a "theatrical concert version."