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.
Washington National Opera (WNO) continues its 2017 2018 season with the company premiere of Handel's magical Baroque opera Alcina - starring megawatt soprano Angela Meade in the title role - November 4 19, 2017, in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater.
Chicago Opera Theater (COT) presents 'The Consul,' a Pulitzer Prize-winning opera by Gian Carlo Menotti. 'The Consul' is a modern opera whose subject matter has proven to have lasting relevance since its premiere in 1950.
The New York Philharmonic's 2017 holiday season presents classical and seasonal hallmarks, four Broadway stars singing Laureate Conductor Leonard Bernstein's musical theater highlights, and the beloved annual traditions of Holiday Brass and Handel's Messiah.
The 2018 Adelaide Festival program will launch on Tuesday 24 October 2017 at the Adelaide Town Hall. It is a festival program rich with Australian and international voices, bold new visions and contemporary theatre classics, as Joint Artistic Directors Neil Armfield AO and Rachel Healy return to the helm for their second Adelaide Festival in 2018.
In a recent interview with T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Lin-Manuel Miranda meets with Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim to chat about their work.
Chicago Opera Theater (COT) presents The Consul, a Pulitzer Prize-winning opera by Gian Carlo Menotti. Hailed by the New York Times as an opera of eloquence, momentousness, and intensity of expression written from the heart, The Consul is a modern opera whose subject matter has proven to have lasting relevance since its premiere in 1950. This show features direction by former COT Artistic Director Andreas Mitisek, music direction by internationally renowned conductor Kristof van Grysperre, and stars legendary soprano Patricia Racette as Magda Sorel.
Washington National Opera (WNO) continues its 2017 2018 season with the company premiere of Handel's magical Baroque opera Alcina - starring megawatt soprano Angela Meade in the title role - November 4 19, 2017, in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater.
Chicago Opera Theater (COT) presents 'The Consul,' a Pulitzer Prize-winning opera by Gian Carlo Menotti. 'The Consul' is a modern opera whose subject matter has proven to have lasting relevance since its premiere in 1950.
92Y's 17-18 season opens on October 5 with internationally renowned cellist Mischa Maisky joining the “amazing precision” (Huffington Post) of the notably conductorless Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, which returns to 92Y for the first time in 15 years, to celebrate the cellist's 70th birthday season. Together, they open 92Y's illustrious concert season with Schubert's beloved “Arpeggione” Sonata, arranged for cello and string orchestra by Dobrinka Tabakova, as well as Arensky's Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky, and Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings. Acclaimed for the sheer intensity and vigor of his performances, Maisky has the distinct honor of being the only cellist in the world to have studied under both Gregor Piatigorsky and Mlatislav Rostrapovich. The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is renowned as one of the foremost chamber orchestras in the world, with more than 70 albums in its sprawling discography since its founding in 1972.
New York City Opera opened New York's cultural season with a new production of Puccini's beloved La fanciulla del West, which WQXR called one of the resurrected City Opera's strongest productions yet. This October City Opera follows the success of La fanciulla del West with the world premiere of a new chamber adaptation of Tobias Picker's 2013 opera Dolores Claiborne, based on the novel by Stephen King. The adaptation has been prepared for City Opera by Picker, who is also City Opera's Composer-in-Residence.
Paper Mill Playhouse, recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, by special arrangement with Jeffrey Finn, presents the world-premiere production of the new musical comedy The Honeymooners, based on the CBS television series, with book by Dusty Kay and Bill Nuss, music by Stephen Weiner, and lyrics by Peter Mills.
Broadway veterans Carole Demas, who originated the role of Sandy in Grease, and Sarah Rice, who originated the role of Johanna in Sweeney Todd, have teamed up to celebrate the music of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, composers of THE FANTASTICKS, 110 IN THE SHADE, and I DO! I DO! and more. Demas and Rice have based their show on their 50 years of work and personal relationships with Jones and Schmidt.
Continuing its 2017 2018 Season, Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) presents Twelfth Night. Directed by internationally acclaimed director Ethan McSweeny and featuring Antoinette Robinson (previously announced) as Viola and Tony Award-nominee Hannah Yelland as Olivia, Shakespeare's comic tale of unrequited love will run at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW) from November 14 December 20, 2017.
The Menier Chocolate Factory today announced that Alexander Hanson joins the company of The Lie playing the husband of his real-life spouse Samantha Bond. Hanson replaces James Dreyfus who has regretfully had to withdraw from the production on medical advice.
The Old Globe presents the first show of its 2017-2018 Season, the world premiere musical Benny & Joon, with book by Kirsten Guenther, music by Nolan Gasser, and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. Based on the beloved 1993 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture written by Barry Berman and Leslie McNeil, Benny & Joon is directed by Jack Cummings III, Artistic Director of New York's Transport Group.
Producers Sonia Friedman, Shakespeare's Globe and Paula Marie Blackare have announced complete casting for the critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, starring three-time Tony Award-winner (Twelfth Night, Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies) Mark Rylance.
Paper Mill Playhouse, recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, by special arrangement with Jeffrey Finn, has announced casting for the world-premiere production of the new musical comedy The Honeymooners, based on the CBS television series, with book by Dusty Kay and Bill Nuss, music by Stephen Weiner, and lyrics by Peter Mills.
The Menier Chocolate Factory today announces the full company for Florian Zeller's The Lie in a translation by Christopher Hampton - Lindsay Posner directs Samantha Bond, James Dreyfus, Tony Gardner and Alexandra Gilbreath.
The Old Globe today announced the complete cast and creative team for the first show of its 2017-2018 Season, the world premiere musical Benny & Joon, with book by Kirsten Guenther, music by Nolan Gasser, and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein.
Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival , one of New York's premier summer performance series, kicks off its 51st season on July 25. Among the highlights in the first two weeks are a special opening concert led by Louis Langrée, Renée and Robert Belfer Music Director, featuring traditional and indigenous songs from Mozart's time; a choral presentation by Les Arts Florissants; and guest conductors Edward Gardner and Gianandrea Noseda; festival debuts by more than 10 artists, including Kit Armstrong, Janai Brugger, Jennifer Johnson Cano, S? Percussion, Beatrice Rana, Ksenija Sidorova, and the Young People's Chorus of New York City; and the New York premiere of David Lang's concerto for percussion, man made. A complete listing of events from July 25 through August 6 follows.
This July, Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.
92Y's 17-18 season opens on October 5 with internationally renowned cellist Mischa Maisky joining the “amazing precision” (Huffington Post) of the notably conductorless Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, which returns to 92Y for the first time in 15 years, to celebrate the cellist's 70th birthday season. Together, they open 92Y's illustrious concert season with Schubert's beloved “Arpeggione” Sonata, arranged for cello and string orchestra by Dobrinka Tabakova, as well as Arensky's Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky, and Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings. Acclaimed for the sheer intensity and vigor of his performances, Maisky has the distinct honor of being the only cellist in the world to have studied under both Gregor Piatigorsky and Mlatislav Rostrapovich. The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is renowned as one of the foremost chamber orchestras in the world, with more than 70 albums in its sprawling discography since its founding in 1972.
Broadway veterans Carole Demas, who originated the role of Sandy in Grease, and Sarah Rice, who originated the role of Johanna in Sweeney Todd, have teamed up to celebrate the music of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, composers of THE FANTASTICKS, 110 IN THE SHADE, I DO! I DO! and more. Demas and Rice have based their show on their 50 years of work and personal relationships with Jones and Schmidt.
Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival , one of New York's premier summer performance series, kicks off its 51st season on July 25. Among the highlights in the first two weeks are a special opening concert led by Louis Langrée, Renée and Robert Belfer Music Director, featuring traditional and indigenous songs from Mozart's time; a choral presentation by Les Arts Florissants; and guest conductors Edward Gardner and Gianandrea Noseda; festival debuts by more than 10 artists, including Kit Armstrong, Janai Brugger, Jennifer Johnson Cano, S? Percussion, Beatrice Rana, Ksenija Sidorova, and the Young People's Chorus of New York City; and the New York premiere of David Lang's concerto for percussion, man made. A complete listing of events from July 25 through August 6 follows.
Underbelly Productions have today announced full casting for a brand new production of Clarke Peters' Olivier Award-winning and Tony-Award nominated musical, Five Guys Named Moe. The production will open on 14 September 2017 in a new temporary theatre in Marble Arch, London. Check out photos of the cast below!
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