Candide 1971 - Articles Page 1.8

Opened: April 14, 1971
Closing: April 20, 1971

Candide - 1971 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Joseph Papp Public Theater
425 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10003

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.

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Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler Will Honor Stephen Sondheim at the Grammys
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2022


A special tribute to Stephen Sondheim will take place during this year's Grammy Awards, Variety reports. Sung by Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler, the performance will be part of the show's traditional In Memoriam segment, which honors those we have lost in the past year.

VIDEO: Remembering Stephen Sondheim and Celebrating Andrew Lloyd Webber on Their Shared Birthday
by Stephi Wild - Mar 22, 2022


Today, BroadwayWorld is remembering Stephen Sondheim, and celebrating Andrew Lloyd Webber, both of whom share March 22nd as their birthday!

Rosalie Craig, Julian Ovenden, and More Join Sondheim at OLD FRIENDS Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 17, 2022


This May 3, stars of the West End will gather to salute the legacy of the legendary Stephen Sondheim at a gala performance titled, Old Friends.

Bernadette Peters, Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, and More to Celebrate Stephen Sondheim at OLD FRIENDS Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 3, 2022


This May 3, stars of the West End will gather to salute the legacy of the legendary Stephen Sondheim at a gala performance titled, Old Friends.

VIDEO: JEOPARDY Features 'Remembering Stephen Sondheim' Category
by Stephi Wild - Mar 2, 2022


Last night's episode of Jeopardy featured a category called 'Remembering Stephen Sondheim', featuring clues about some of the legendary composer's most notable work.

WATCH: Library of Congress Releases Unseen Stephen Sondheim Interviews
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 2, 2022


The Library of Congress has released hours of previously unseen interviews with late composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim discusses Into the Woods, Assassins,  Sunday in the Park With George, Sweeney Todd and more. 

MOMENTS A Musical Celebration of Stephen Sondheim Announced at Trinity Street Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 20, 2022


City Theatre Austin presents a special one-weekend performance event honoring Stephen Sondheim - the giant, the genius, who revolutionized musical theatre as its most influential writer and composer.

Ellen's Stardust Diner to Honor Stephen Sondheim
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 20, 2022


Ellen’s Stardust Diner will honor the late Broadway legend, composer Stephen Sondheim, with Monday in the Diner with Sondheim on January 24th, from 7-11pm.

Porchlight's 2022 CHICAGO SINGS Concert Honors The Legendary Stephen Sondheim, May 23
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 14, 2021


Porchlight Music Theatre has announced Chicago Sings Stephen Sondheim, its annual fundraising concert,  Monday, May 23, 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 

NY1's ON STAGE to Honor Stephen Sondheim With Nathan Lane, Donna Murphy & More
by Michael Major - Dec 3, 2021


On Stage will take a look back at the incredible life and career of legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, including tributes from members of the Broadway community such as Nathan Lane, Josh Groban, Mandy Patinkin, Donna Murphy, Laura Benanti, Joanna Gleason, Lonny Price, Raul Esparza and Michael Cerveris.

Social Roundup: 31 Most Meaningful Sondheim Lyrics
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - Dec 3, 2021


The theater community around the world is mourning the loss of legend Stephen Sondheim after his passing on November 26, 2021. We asked our readers which Sondheim lyric meant the most to them and why. Read their answers here.

Musical Theatre Icon Stephen Sondheim Passes Away at 91
by Robert Diamond - Nov 26, 2021


Broadway icon Stephen Sondheim has passed away age 91.  The legendary composer is widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential, and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history.

What We Know So Far (and What We Don't) About Stephen Sondheim's New Musical
by Team BWW - Sep 17, 2021


Broadway lovers had reason to rejoice this week when the industry's most beloved composer, Stephen Sondheim, announced that he has a new musical in the works. What do we know so far about Stephen Sondheim's new project? Let's review!

VIDEO: Stephen Sondheim Talks New Musical and Reveals the Title on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - Sep 16, 2021


Stephen Sondheim appeared as a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night! Sondheim and Colbert have history, as Colbert starred in the 2011 production of Sondheim's musical, Company.

Stephen Sondheim Will Appear on THE LATE SHOW Next Week
by Stephi Wild - Sep 11, 2021


Stephen Sondheim is coming to The Late Show! The Broadway legend will sit down with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, September 15.

BWW Exclusive: Freddie Gershon Pens Touching Tribute to Roger Englander
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 24, 2021


Television producer Roger Englander passed away earlier this month at the age of 94. Now his friend and colleague Freddie Gershon has written a beautiful tribute in his memory.

Student Blog: Zodiac Signs of Tony-Nominated Musicals
by Student Blogger: Madison Moore - Mar 22, 2021


The criteria are that these shows have been nominated for Best Musical from the 3rd Tony Awards (the ceremony that started the Best Musical category) in 1949 to the nominations of what will now be the 74th Tony Awards in 2021. I will be determining their signs based upon their Broadway premiere date. With those rules in mind, here we go!

Broadway Treasure Stephen Sondheim Reveals He's Fully Vaccinated
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 9, 2021


Everybody's got the right... to be vaccinated. On last night's reunion of the original company of Assassins, beloved Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim, who turns 91 later this month, revealed that he is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Celebrating Women's History Month: Women in Theatre Through the Decades: 1960s-1970s
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 8, 2021


With Women in Theatre Through the Decades, we will be highlighting the vital role that women have played in theatre history, showcasing those who paved the way and who continue to make history today. This week, we are highlighting the accomplishments of women in theatre throughout the 1960s and the 1970s!

San Diego Opera Announces Spring Drive-In Season Featuring THE BARBER OF SEVILLE and ONE AMAZING NIGHT
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2021


Inspired by the success from their safe drive-in performances of La bohème in the Fall, which heralded the return of live, in-person, opera to San Diego County since the start of the pandemic, and provided over 300 jobs to many, San Diego Opera has announced a Spring season of safe, socially-distanced, drive-in performances.

VIDEO: On This Day, September 15 - Henry Miller's Theater Renamed For Stephen Sondheim
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 15, 2020


The renaming of the theatre was dedicated to Stephen Sondheim, the greatest and best known artist in American musical theatre on his 80th birthday. 

The Drama Desk Awards to Posthumously Honor Hal Prince with Namesake Lifetime Achievement Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2020


The 65th Annual Drama Desk Awards will celebrate the life and legacy of American theater producer and director Harold 'Hal' Prince with the Drama Desk's newly established lifetime achievement honor.

VIDEO: Melissa Errico, Raul Esparza, and Adam Gopnik Explore Sondheim On FINISHING THE HAT
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2020


On May 9 (7:30pm) PBS Poetry in America will air 'Finishing The Hat' - Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim is widely hailed as the greatest modern American musical theater composer.

PBS Poetry in America Will Explore Sondheim with FINISHING THE HAT
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2020


On May 9 (7:30pm) PBS Poetry in America will air 'Finishing The Hat' - Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim is widely hailed as the greatest modern American musical theater composer. Series creator Elisa New speaks with Broadway stage actors including Melissa Errico, writer Adam Gopnik, and others to explore Sondheim's singular ability to blend lyrics and music-using as their case study this song from his Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Sunday in the Park with George.

Menier Chocolate Factory Announces Spring Season For 2020
by Stephi Wild - Jan 17, 2020


With the critically acclaimed production of The Boy Friend currently running at the theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announce the forthcoming two productions a?" the European première of Paula Vogel's Tony Award-winning play Indecent, directed by Rebecca Taichman; and Alan Bennett's Habeas Corpus directed by Patrick Marber, who returns to the Menier following his smash-hit production of Tom Stoppard's Travesties.

Candide FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Candide have there been?
Candide has had 1 productions including Off-Broadway which opened in 1971.

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