Quantum Theatre to Stage CANDIDE, Opens 11/5

The Quantum Theatre will set their next venture, Bernstein's CANDIDE, in the former Don Allen Auto City. The musical is directed by Karla Boos and will play November 5th through 22nd.

In addition, director Karla Boos will host an intimate evening hosted by Bob Sendall of All in Good Taste on November 11. There will be an additional charge for this event.

Candide was originally conceived by Lillian Hellman as a play with incidental music in the style of her previous work, The Lark. Bernstein, however, was so excited about this idea that he convinced Hellman to do it as a "comic operetta." Many lyricists have contributed to the show including (originally) James Agee, Dorothy Parker, John Latouche and Richard Wilbur. The lyrics to "I Am Easily Assimilated" were done by Leonard and Felicia Bernstein, while Hellman wrote the words to "Eldorado." Hershy Kay orchestrated all but the overture, which Bernstein did himself. None of Agee's lyrics were ultimately used.

Candide first opened on Broadway as a musical on December 1, 1956. The premiere production was directed by Tyrone Guthrie and conducted by Samuel Krachmalnick. The sets and costumes were designed by Oliver Smith and Irene Sharaff, respectively. It was choreographed by Anna Sokolow. It featured Robert Rounseville as Candide, Barbara Cook as Cunégonde, Max Adrian as Dr. Pangloss, and Irra Petina as the Old Lady.

Tickets are priced at $28 for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday performances and $32 for Friday and Saturday performances. Opening night tickets are $40. There are a limited number of $16 student tickets available for select performances (with valid ID). Members of TIX for Teachers, the Mattress Factory, and WYEP are eligible for discounted tickets and can receive $3 off with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased online or through the box office at 412-394-3353.

Quantum Theatre was founded in Pittsburgh in 1990 by Karla Boos, who wanted to initiate in Pittsburgh a company that incorporated the influences of world culture and the dynamic trends sweeping through the interNational Theatre scene.

For more information, visit Quantum Theatre's website at www.quantumtheatre.com.