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 has announced additional casting today for the 50th Anniversary season of free Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte. David Furr (Orlando) and Stephen Spinella (Jaques) join the previously announced MacIntyre Dixon (Adam), Renee Elise Goldsberry (Celia), Omar Metwally (Oliver), and Lily Rabe (Rosalind) in Shakespeare's comedy AS YOU LIKE IT, directed by Daniel Sullivan.
Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert present Tony Kushner's Tony Award-winning Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches and Part Two: Perestroika, directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. Angels in America will run March 30 - June 3, 2012 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is Saturday, April 14, 2012; Part One: Millennium Approaches at 3PM and Part Two: Perestroika at 8PM.
After seeing Andrea Martin's brand new, laugh-filled, autobiographical one-woman-and-a-pianist show ANDREA MARTIN: FINAL DAYS! EVERYTHING MUST GO!, it's quite clear to see why the ever-so-funny Tony- and Emmy-winning actress has had such a rich and storied career in entertainment. A born chameleon with an endless arsenal of quirky characters and on-point impersonations, Martin provides her audience with a live, gut-busting 90-minute sampling of her impressive genius. Accompanied by Broadway musician and YouTube star Seth Rudetsky behind the keys, her show continues nightly performances at the Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa through Sunday, February 19.
BroadwayWorld.com reported the news exclusively on January 9, 2012 and now the The Public Theater has officially announced the line-up for the 50th Anniversary Shakespeare in the Park season at the Delacorte. Daniel Sullivan, who directed acclaimed productions of All's Well That Ends Well, The Merchant of Venice and Twelfth Night in the Park, will return to direct AS YOU LIKE IT in June with Lily Rabe as Rosalind.
The second show of the 50th Anniversary summer season will be Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's beloved musical INTO THE WOODS, directed by Timothy Sheader with co-direction by Liam Steel. Based on the Olivier Award-winning Regent's Park Open Air Theatre London production in 2010, The Public Theater's INTO THE WOODS will be an all new production with an American cast and designers and will be staged in one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in the world-the Delacorte Theater. INTO THE WOODS will begin performances at the end of July.
After nearly 100 productions of the play around the world, including two by the Royal Court Theatre in London, Soho Rep and The Play Company, in association with John Adrian Selzer, will present the New York premiere February 1-26, 2012.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Broadway favorites Nathan Lane and Cheyenne Jackson are set to star in a comedy pilot on USA from Douglas McGrath. Lane will also executive produce the still untitled project.
Long Wharf Theatre, under the director of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Interim Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Ain't Misbehavin' on the Mainstage from Oct. 26 through Nov. 20.
Long Wharf Theatre, under the director of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Interim Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Ain't Misbehavin' on the Mainstage from Oct. 26 through Nov. 20.
Actress Patricia Routledge is to embark on a theatre tour in conversation with Chief Classical Music and Opera Critic for The Independent Edward Seckerson about her career on both sides of the Atlantic as a star of musical theatre.
Porchlight Music Theatre, nationally recognized for developing innovative new works, reimagining classic productions, and showcasing musical theater's rising stars, announces its 2011-2012 season.
DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions, Ltd. are pleased to announce that SHREK THE MUSICAL with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford, will play DeVos Performance Hall, for one week only, June 21-26, 2011.
The 5th Avenue Theatre is thrilled to announce casting for the highly anticipated premiere of Disney's Aladdin, a new stage musical. The show will feature Adam Jacobs and Courtney Reed as Aladdin and Jasmine, James Monroe Iglehart as the Genie, and Seattle mainstay Seán G. Griffin as the Sultan. Jonathan Freeman takes the stage to embody the role he originally voiced for the film, the Royal Vizier Jafar. He is joined by comedic favorite Don Darryl Rivera as Iago. Aladdin restores a trio of characters originally conceived by the film's creators: Omar, Babkak, and Kassim, played by Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Brian Gonzales, and Brandon O'Neill, respectively. Broadway's Casey Nicholaw will direct. With book by Chad Beguelin and hit songs including 'Friend Like Me,' 'Prince Ali,' and the Oscar-winning 'A Whole New World' by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Aladdin will enchant audiences of all ages.
Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert present the Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell, with Artistic Consultant Ron OJ Parson and Music Direction by Doug Peck. Porgy and Bess will run May 12-June 19, 2011 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 8PM.
Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert present the Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell, with Artistic Consultant Ron OJ Parson and Music Direction by Doug Peck. Porgy and Bess will run May 12-June 19, 2011 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 8PM.
Skylight Opera Theatre of Milwaukee, Wisconsin will open the new musical, Adding Machine on May 20, 2011.
Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert present the Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell, with Artistic Consultant Ron OJ Parson and Music Direction by Doug Peck. Porgy and Bess will run May 12-June 19, 2011 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 8PM.
Broadway favorite Andrea Martin has just launched an all new, official website, which features the funny lady's upcoming performances, tour dates, photos, and more! To catch up on all things Andrea, visit: http://iamandreamartin.com
Three-time Tony Award-winning scenic designer ROBIN WAGNER and esteemed costume designer LEWIS BROWN are among the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards recipients. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday, April 8 at 6:30pm at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street). Mr. Brown was selected to receive the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award for costume design, and Tony Award-winning scenic designer Robin Wagner will receive the Robert L.B. Tobin Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatrical Design. Sadly, Mr. Brown passed away in January of 2011. His award will be accepted by his long-time colleague and friend, Albert Wolsky, who was the recipient of the 2010 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award
Porchlight Music Theatre, nationally recognized for developing innovative new works, reimagining classic productions, and showcasing musical theater's rising stars, announces its 2011-2012 season.
Sebastian Arcelus, Rebecca Luker, Rob McClure, Howard McGillin, Jill Paice and Lauren Worsham have been cast in Frank Loesser's Where's Charley?, the final New York City Center Encores! production of the 2010-11. Where's Charley?, based on Brandon Thomas' Charley's Aunt, has a book by George Abbott and music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. The show, running March 17 - 20, will be directed by John Doyle and choreographed by Alex Sanchez with music direction by Rob Berman.
Three-time Tony Award-winning scenic designer ROBIN WAGNER and esteemed costume designer LEWIS BROWN are among the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards recipients. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday, April 8 at 6:30pm at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street). Mr. Brown was selected to receive the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award for costume design, and Tony Award-winning scenic designer Robin Wagner will receive the Robert L.B. Tobin Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatrical Design. Sadly, Mr. Brown passed away in January of 2011. His award will be accepted by his long-time colleague and friend, Albert Wolsky, who was the recipient of the 2010 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents the TRU Writer-Director Communications Lab on Saturday, February 19, 2011 from 1pm to 7pm at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street, Studio 3C. If accepted into the lab, the cost is $75 ($60 for TRU members). Writer applications are available at www.truonline.org/DirectorLabFeb11.htm. Interested directors may email TRUnltd@aol.com and attach a brief resume. The lab will be taught by producers Pam Koslow (Jelly's Last Jam, Jane Eyre, Yank!) and director Robert Kalfin, former artistic director of Chelsea Theatre (Yentl, Strider, Candide).
DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions, Ltd. are pleased to announce that SHREK THE MUSICAL with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford, will play DeVos Performance Hall, for one week only, June 21-26, 2011.
THE PEARL THEATRE COMPANY (J.R. Sullivan, Artistic Director; Shira Beckerman, Managing Director) is proud to announce that Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley will perform a one-night cabaret benefit this spring as the company's annual fund raiser.
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents the TRU Writer-Director Communications Lab on Saturday, February 19, 2011 from 1pm to 7pm at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street, Studio 3C. If accepted into the lab, the cost is $75 ($60 for TRU members). Writer applications are available at www.truonline.org/DirectorLabFeb11.htm. Interested directors may email TRUnltd@aol.com and attach a brief resume. The lab will be taught by producers Pam Koslow (Jelly's Last Jam, Jane Eyre, Yank!) and director Robert Kalfin, former artistic director of Chelsea Theatre (Yentl, Strider, Candide).
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