A score by legendary Leonard Bernstein is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Candide and its theatrical offerings. With a book from Hugh Wheeler and lyrical contributions from the incomparable Stephen Sondheim, Candide is a masterpiece for the ages.
Candide – the bastard cousin of Baron Thunder-Ten-Tonck – is expelled from home, dragged into the Bulgarian army, brought before the Spanish Inquisition, swindled out of a fortune, shipwrecked on a desert isle and separated time and again from his true love, Cunegonde. She, too, bears a barrage of misfortunes, including – but not limited to – sale into prostitution, forced marriage to an exorbitantly wealthy man and slavery. Through it all, however, they try remember the lessons of their dear master, Dr. Pangloss: "Everything is for the best in this best of all possible worlds."
Elements of the original 1953 version – along with songs that had been dropped, rewritten or re-conceived – have been added or altered in this version in an effort to create a slightly reimagined version of the classic Candide. This version requires a large ensemble with a strong female lead. It is the perfect opportunity to showcase your trained singers of varying ages.
