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Candide Revival

Closing: January 04, 1976

Candide - 1974 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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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.

All Broadway Theatres to Dim Lights for Hal Prince
by Julie Musbach - Jul 31, 2019


The Broadway community mourns the loss of prolific producer, director, writer, and the individual recipient of the most Tony Awards in multiple categories in history, Harold Prince, who passed away on July 31, 2019 at age 91. To commemorate his life and work, the Committee of Theatre Owners will dim the lights of Broadway theatres in New York for one minute on Wednesday, July 31 at exactly 7:45pm.

Long Beach Opera Reveals 2016 Season
by Nora Dominick - May 28, 2015


Long Beach Opera's 2016 season has been announced and includes a new production of the 1974 version of Leonard Bernstein's comic operetta Candide, winner of four Tony Awards; the world premiere of Tobin Stokes' Fallujah, with a libretto by Iraqi-American Heather Raffo, based on the story of a US Marine and his experience during the Iraq war; Suzan Hanson starring in Francis Poulenc's La Voix Humaine (The Human Voice), a moving monodrama about unrequited love; and the West Coast premiere of the video-pop opera The News by Jacob TV – the Andy Warhol of new music.  

Sondheim's PUTTING IT TOGETHER at Ovations Night Club Begins Next Month
by Anna Bencivengo - Dec 12, 2014


Main Street Theater begins 2015 with the Stephen Sondheim musical revue Putting It Together. The production will be at Ovations Night Club in Rice Village (next door to MST's village home) while the theater undergoes renovation.

Eugene Lee Accepts USITT Distinguished Achievement Award in Scene Design
by BWW News Desk - Mar 28, 2014


USITT honored Eugene Lee with its 2014 Distinguished Achievement Award in Scene Design Friday at its 54th Annual Conference & Stage Expo.

CANDIDE Revival Album Now Streaming On Spotify
by Pat Cerasaro - Mar 10, 2014


Fans of the oft-reappraised cult musical CANDIDE now have the chance to peruse the complete cast recording for the 1974 revival memorably directed by Hal Prince as part of a limited time free streaming period on Spotify.

INTO THE WOODS Begins Tonight at Main Street Theater
by BWW News Desk - Jan 11, 2014


Main Street Theater begins 2014 with Into the Woods, James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's exploration of everyone's favorite fairytale characters. Main Street Theater's production will return the material to its storytelling roots with a small company and simple accompaniment on its intimate Rice Village stage.

INTO THE WOODS to Begin 1/11 at Main Street Theater
by BWW News Desk - Dec 27, 2013


Main Street Theater begins 2014 with Into the Woods, James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's exploration of everyone's favorite fairytale characters. Main Street Theater's production will return the material to its storytelling roots with a small company and simple accompaniment on its intimate Rice Village stage.

Paul Gemignani Named Music Director of Encores! 2005-2006 Season
by BWW News Desk - Apr 25, 2005


Gemignani will succeed Rob Fisher, who has been music director for the entire 12-year history of Encores!.

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

Candide - 1974 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1974 Drama Desk Awards Oustanding Set Designer Eugene Lee
1974 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Book of a Musical Hugh Wheeler
1974 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Designer Franne Lee
1974 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director Harold Prince
1974 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Set Designer Franne Lee
1974 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Musical 0

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