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Candide

Candide - 1956 Broadway History , Info & More

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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WONDERFUL BERNSTEIN I OPERAEN Comes to Norwegian National Ballet This Month
by Stephi Wild - Aug 2, 2022


Wonderful Town is about meeting the city that never sleeps. For this energetic musical, we also serve excerpts from West Side Story and Candide  - and promise you a concert experience that radiates.  

WONDERFUL BERNSTEIN I OPERAEN Comes to Norwegian National Ballet in August
by Stephi Wild - Jun 20, 2022


Wonderful Town is about meeting the city that never sleeps. For this energetic musical, we also serve excerpts from West Side Story and Candide  - and promise you a concert experience that radiates.  

What Was the Golden Age of Broadway?
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 27, 2025


It was the best of times, it was the best of times. The Golden Age of Broadway marks a legendary period in American musical theatre history—an era when the Broadway stage flourished with groundbreaking creativity, unforgettable music, and enduring storytelling. What was the Golden Age of Broadway all about and what years did it cover? Study up below!

Leonard Bernstein's NYC Residence Mapped As An LGBT Historic Site
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 24, 2018


The NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project has announced the digital publication of the Leonard Bernstein Residence at the Osborne Apartments to its online map, a dynamic continually-evolving catalogue of geographic locations significant to LGBT history.

Jake Gyllenhaal To Play Leonard Bernstein in New Bio-Pic THE AMERICAN
by A.A. Cristi - May 1, 2018


Deadline has reported that stage and film star Jake Gyllenhaal will produce and star as legendary composer Leonard Bernstein in a new biopic titled The American. 

Sydney Philharmonia Releases Casting Details for CANDIDE
by Robert Diamond - Mar 21, 2018


2018 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Leonard Bernstein. Sydney Philharmonia Choirs will acknowledge thissignificant anniversary by participating in the global celebrations to honour Bernstein's legacy, with two planned performances of the choral masterpiece, Candide (1956) on Saturday 29th September and Sunday 30th September 2018 at the Sydney Opera House.

2018 Tanglewood Season Tickets Go On Sale This Sunday, 1/28
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 24, 2018


The 2018 Tanglewood Season, June 15-September 2, is dedicated to the spirit of Leonard Bernstein on the centennial of his birth, with programs celebrating his iconic stature as one of the great artistic figures of the 20th century and his immeasurable contribution to the Tanglewood festival from 1940 to 1990

Palm Beach Dramaworks presents Lillian Hellman's THE LITTLE FOXES
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 26, 2017


Shortly after The Little Foxes opened on Broadway in 1939, Lillian Hellman summed up the meaning of her play in an interview in the New York Herald Tribune. I merely wanted, in essence, to say: 'Here I am representing for you the sort of person who ruins the world for us.'

VIDEO: On This Day, August 25: Happy Birthday, Leonard Bernstein!
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 25, 2017


Leonard Bernstein was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He took piano lessons as a boy and attended the Garrison and Boston Latin Schools. At Harvard University, he studied with Walter Piston, Edward Burlingame-Hill, and A. Tillman Merritt, among others. Before graduating in 1939, he made an unofficial conducting debut with his own incidental music to 'The Birds,' and directed and performed in Marc Blitzstein's 'The Cradle Will Rock.' Then at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, he studied piano with Isabella Vengerova, conducting with Fritz Reiner, and orchestration with Randall Thompson. 

Photo Coverage: Broadway Dims The Lights In Memory of the Late Barbara Cook
by Walter McBride - Aug 10, 2017


The Broadway community mourns the loss of legendary actress and recording artist Barbara Cook, who passed away on Tuesday, August 8th at age 89. The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York were dimmed in her memory on yesterday, August 9th at exactly 7:45pm for one minute.

Broadway Will Dim Lights Tomorrow in Memory of Barbara Cook
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 8, 2017


The Broadway community mourns the loss of legendary actress and recording artist Barbara Cook, who passed away on Tuesday, August 8th at age 89. The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York will be dimmed in her memory on Wednesday, August 9th at exactly 7:45pm for one minute.

Barbara Cook's Debut Solo Album to be Released on CD in June
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 28, 2016


?Stage Door Records are pleased to announce the debut CD release of Barbara Cook's first solo album SONGS OF PERFECT PROPRIETY BY DOROTHY PARKER on June 17th 2016. The release continues Stage Door's COLLECTOR'S SERIES, a line of limited edition CD products that celebrate Broadway shows and vocalists of the 1950s and 60s.

BWW Feature: April Showers Show Tunes Bring Young Love
by Matt Tamanini - Apr 19, 2015


"April showers may come your way, they bring flowers that bloom in May!" So go the words of the old Tin Pan Alley song. When the days begin to get longer, and the daffodils work to pop up through the dirt, we know that spring is just around the corner. April is that gateway to birds singing, grass growing, and romance blooming. This month we look at spring and the season's sweet rains that give life to young love.

Judy Kaye & Peter Sagal to Lead Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's CANDIDE This Summer
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 24, 2015


For the conclusion of the 2014-2015 season, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and Music Director Marin Alsop lead the BSO premiere of Leonard Bernstein's comedic operetta Candide on June 11 at the Music Center at Strathmore, and June 12 through June 14 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

Barbara Cook Set for Feinstein's Appearance in June
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 1, 2011


Broadway veteran Barbara Cook will debut her new show at Feinstein's Loews Regency June 7-18.

STAGE TUBE: Barbara Cook Reflects on Career and SONDHEIM
by Jessica Lewis - May 10, 2010


Yesterday, Sunday May 9 Rafael Pi Roman sat down with Broadway's Barbara Cook to reflect on her career and talk about all things SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM. Click below to see the heartfelt segment.

WEST SIDE STORY Cast Announced! Cavenaugh, Olivo, Green, Akram and More
by Robert Diamond - Oct 29, 2008


The producers of WEST SIDE STORY have confirmed full casting for the new Broadway production.

West Side Story Announces Dates For Broadway Engagement
by Faetra Petillo - Aug 8, 2008


It was announced today that the upcoming previously announced revival of West Side Story will begin previews on February 23, 2009 with an official opening slated for March 19, 2009.

West Side Story Returns To Broadway Starting In March 09 After DC Tryout!
by BWW News Desk - Jul 16, 2008


WEST SIDE STORY, the landmark American musical, will return to Broadway in a new production directed by two-time Tony Award winning librettist Arthur Laurents.

Candide History

Other Productions of Candide

1956   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1958   US Tour Concert Tour
US Tour
1959   West End London Production
West End
1966   Regional (US) UCLA Production
Regional (US)
1968   Off-Broadway New York Concert
Off-Broadway
1971   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1973   Off-Off-Broadway Off-Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Off-Broadway
1974   Broadway Broadway Transfer
Broadway
1982   Virginia Museum Theatre Production
1982   Off-Broadway New York City Opera Revival
Off-Broadway
1986   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
1988   West End London Revival
West End
1989   West End London Concert
West End
1997   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1999   West End Royal National Theatre Production
West End
2004   Off-Broadway New York Concert
Off-Broadway
2005   West End West End Concert
West End
2005   Off-Broadway New York City Opera Revival
Off-Broadway

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