Candide, a satirical operetta, takes you on a wild journey exploring optimism in the face of relentless misfortune. Based on Voltaire's 1759 novella of the same name, Candide offers a scathing critique of the philosophy of optimism, particularly the notion that "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds."
The operetta had its world premiere on Broadway in 1956. The music was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics primarily by Richard Wilbur, along with contributions from other notable figures like Dorothy Parker and Stephen Sondheim.
The story follows Candide, a young man raised in a sheltered environment who believes everything happens for a reason. He's thrust into a whirlwind of misfortune, encountering war, natural disasters, poverty, and heartbreak.
Through his experiences, Candide grapples with his unwavering optimism, constantly challenged by the harsh realities of the world.
Bernstein's music is a vibrant blend of classical, operatic, and popular styles, reflecting the diverse locations and situations Candide encounters. The witty lyrics employ satire and social commentary, poking fun at philosophical theories, religious hypocrisy, and the follies of human nature. Candide has enjoyed numerous revivals throughout the years, with interpretations that resonate with contemporary audiences. The musical's exploration of optimism, resilience, and the human condition remains relevant, sparking discussions about philosophy, fate, and finding meaning in a seemingly absurd world.
The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) will begin previews Saturday, September 12 for the first production of the 2009-2010 Season, OTHELLO, directed by Peter Sellars.
The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) announced complete casting today for the first production of the 2009-2010 Season, OTHELLO, directed by Peter Sellars. This highly-anticipated contemporary production, featuring the previously announced John Ortiz as Othello and Philip Seymour Hoffman as Iago, will play for 23 performances only, beginning on Saturday, September 12 at NYU Skirball Center. Single tickets go on-sale on Monday, August 3.
The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) will begin previews Saturday, September 12 for the first production of the 2009-2010 Season, OTHELLO, directed by Peter Sellars.
Broadway veterans Richard Kind and Liz Larsen bring delightful off-stage sizzle to their roles as the lovable Nathan Detroit and the lovelorn Miss Adelaide in the sparkling production of 'Guys and Dolls' now in its final week at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine
The Public launches its 2009/10 Season with a bold, contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare's most passionate and spiritually charged creation, Othello. Tickets for the production go on sale Monday, August 3rd at 9am. OTHELLO will play a limited engagement of 23 performances only! The production runs September 12 to October 4 at NYU Skirball Center, 566 LaGuardia Place (at Washington Square South).
The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) announced complete casting today for the first production of the 2009-2010 Season, OTHELLO, directed by Peter Sellars. This highly-anticipated contemporary production, featuring the previously announced John Ortiz as Othello and Philip Seymour Hoffman as Iago, will play for 23 performances only, beginning on Saturday, September 12 at NYU Skirball Center. Single tickets go on-sale on Monday, August 3.
At a black-tie Gala Benefit on Monday night at the Embassy of Italy, Signature Theatre feted Stephen Sondheim, the greatest living composer/lyricist of American musical theatre, with both music and a new award established in the composer's name.
At a black-tie Gala Benefit on Monday night at the Embassy of Italy, Signature Theatre feted Stephen Sondheim, the greatest living composer/lyricist of American musical theatre, with both music and a new award established in the composer's name.
Stephen Sondheim, whose musical, A Little Night Music is currently playing in the West End at the Garrick Theatre in a production directed by Trevor Nunn, spoke to the UK's Times Online. The legendary composer spoke on a variety of subjects, including his celebrated body of work, his personal regrets and his joy at finding love, it is a candid interview and a must read for fans of musical theater.
Eric Schaeffer, the Artistic Director of Signature Theatre, tonight announced that Signature will honor Stephen Sondheim at a Gala Benefit in April and establish an annual award as a tribute to America's most influential contemporary musical theater composer. Signature will salute Mr. Sondheim at a black-tie Gala Celebration on Monday, April 27, 2009, in Washington, DC highlighted by a musical tribute, festive dinner, and dancing and inaugurate an annual honor to be known in future years as The Sondheim Award.
Arden Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Something Intangible by celebrated Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham from April 9 through June 7, 2009. This production is proudly sponsored by Fox Chase Bank. Arden Theatre Company is located at 40 N. 2nd Street, Old City Philadelphia. For tickets, call 215.922.1122 or visit www.ardentheatre.org.
Lawrence Edelson, Producing Artistic Director of ALT, has announced that the company has commissioned The Golden Ticket, a new opera based on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In his announcement, Edelson explained that all of Dahl's beloved characters find a unique voice in this exciting new opera. 'If thoughts of Augustus Gloop being swept away in the Chocolate River, Violet Beauregarde inflating like a giant blueberry, Mike Teavee being demagnified into the tele-dimension, and Veruca Salt being thrown down the rubbish shoot by a gang of nut-inspecting squirrels sound like your idea of a fun night at the opera - or better yet, unlike any night at the opera or theater you've ever experienced - The Golden Ticket is....just the ticket!'
Lawrence Edelson, Producing Artistic Director of American Lyric Theater, has announced that Kyrian Friedenberg, the ten-year old singer, violinist and actor most recently seen in Gypsy with Patty LuPone on Broadway, has been cast as Charlie Bucket in ALT's upcoming workshop and reading of The Golden Ticket, a new opera based on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Speaking of the young performer, Edelson said that 'Kyrian has a wonderful voice, is incredibly musical, and has charisma that is truly contagious. After hearing him sing Charlie's first act Aria from The Golden Ticket, I had no doubt that he was the right boy to bring Roald Dahl's classic character to life in our upcoming workshop.'
Arden Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Something Intangible by celebrated Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham from April 9 through June 7, 2009. This production is proudly sponsored by Fox Chase Bank. Arden Theatre Company is located at 40 N. 2nd Street, Old City Philadelphia. For tickets, call 215.922.1122 or visit www.ardentheatre.org.
Lawrence Edelson, Producing Artistic Director of American Lyric Theater, has announced that Kyrian Friedenberg, the ten-year old singer, violinist and actor most recently seen in Gypsy with Patty LuPone on Broadway, has been cast as Charlie Bucket in ALT's upcoming workshop and reading of The Golden Ticket, a new opera based on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Speaking of the young performer, Edelson said that 'Kyrian has a wonderful voice, is incredibly musical, and has charisma that is truly contagious. After hearing him sing Charlie's first act Aria from The Golden Ticket, I had no doubt that he was the right boy to bring Roald Dahl's classic character to life in our upcoming workshop.'
Eric Schaeffer, Artistic Director of Signature Theatre, today announced casting for the world premiere production of the musical Giant by composer Michael John LaChiusa and playwright Sybille Pearson.
Lawrence Edelson, Producing Artistic Director of ALT, has announced that the company has commissioned The Golden Ticket, a new opera based on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In his announcement, Edelson explained that all of Dahl's beloved characters find a unique voice in this exciting new opera. 'If thoughts of Augustus Gloop being swept away in the Chocolate River, Violet Beauregarde inflating like a giant blueberry, Mike Teavee being demagnified into the tele-dimension, and Veruca Salt being thrown down the rubbish shoot by a gang of nut-inspecting squirrels sound like your idea of a fun night at the opera - or better yet, unlike any night at the opera or theater you've ever experienced - The Golden Ticket is....just the ticket!'
Sam Mendes directs a transatlantic company of actors in a double-bill of classic works for The Bridge Project's inaugural 2009 season, which pairs a new version of The Cherry Orchard by Tom Stoppard with The Winter's Tale. A formidable transatlantic company and creative team will mount these two new productions for seven internationally renowned theaters. Simon Russell Beale leads the British/American cast, playing Lopakhin in The Cherry Orchard and Leontes in The Winter's Tale. He is joined by Sin?ad Cusack as Madame Ranevskaya and Paulina, Richard Easton as Firs and Old Shepherd, Rebecca Hall as Varya and Hermione, Josh Hamilton as Yasha and Polixenes, Ethan Hawke as Trofimov and Autolycus, and Paul Jesson as Gaev and Camilo.
Producer Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group and co-producers Tulchin/Bartner/Jenkins, Bill Kenwright, Northwater Entertainment, Darren Bagert, and Tom Gregory announced the complete cast and design team for the new Broadway production of the greatest musical comedy GUYS AND DOLLS. The first joint Broadway project by two-time Tony Award winning director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo since their collaboration on the Tony Award winning musical Jersey Boys, GUYS AND DOLLS will begin previews on February 3, 2009 at Broadway's newly refurbished Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street). Opening Night is March 1, 2009.
Eric Schaeffer, the Artistic Director of Signature Theatre, tonight announced that Signature will honor Stephen Sondheim at a Gala Benefit in April and establish an annual award as a tribute to America's most influential contemporary musical theater composer. Signature will salute Mr. Sondheim at a black-tie Gala Celebration on Monday, April 27, 2009, in Washington, DC highlighted by a musical tribute, festive dinner, and dancing and inaugurate an annual honor to be known in future years as The Sondheim Award.
The Bay Area's award-winning Rough and Tumble presents Len Jenkin's adaptation of Voltaire's sardonically satiric masterpiece Candide.
Westport Country Playhouse (Joanne Woodward and Anne Keefe, artistic directors, and Jodi Schoenbrun Carter, managing director) will present two of Broadway's most versatile performers, Sandy Duncan and Karen Ziemba, in a reading of the new comedy, The Real Tabasco, written by Deborah Grace Winer, formerly of Westport, on Monday, April 14, 7 p.m. The reading is part of the Playhouse's 'Funny Mondays' series, showcasing both new and classic comedies, followed by audience feedback, often with the playwright in attendance.
Broadway lovers and teddy bear collectors came together on Sunday, February 11, at the 'Broadway Bears X' auction, which raised a grand total of $130,000 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
The New York Philharmonic presents Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady in four semi-staged performances, March 7-10, 2007. The musical - a New York Philharmonic premiere - will star Kelli O'Hara, Kelsey Grammer, Charles Kimbrough, Brian Dennehy, Marni Nixon and Tim Jerome.
Busker Alley, which will soon be seen at the York Theatre Company in a star-studded concert headlined by Tony-winners Jim Dale and Glenn Close, may sidle up to a Broadway run
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