Candide

A most amusing anecdote

For the first time in more than a decade, State Opera South Australia and State Theatre Company South Australia will come together to present a spectacular concert version of Leonard Bernstein’s beloved comic operetta and existential vaudeville, Candide.

Based on Voltaire’s 1759 novella, this Broadway hit tells the story of naïve young Candide who falls in love with the beautiful Cunegonde. Along with their misfit band of friends, they embark on an adventure of a lifetime, learning about life, love and themselves along the way.

This major theatrical event brings together some of Australia’s most celebrated musical and opera stars including Alex Lewis (The Merry Widow, Barrie Kosky’s The Nose) as Candide, Annie Aitken (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Cunegonde, John Longmuir (Pirates of Penzance, The Barber of Seville) and featuring the legendary talents of award-winning cabaret star Hans (Matt Gilbertson) and Australian and West End stage titan Caroline O’Connor (Chicago, Moulin Rouge, 9 to 5 The Musical).

State Theatre’s own Artistic Director, Mitchell Butel, assumes the role of Candide’s teacher Pangloss, and doubles up his duties as Co-Director alongside Amy Campbell (Once, A Chorus Line). The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and State Opera chorus, under the baton of State Opera’s Head of Music Anthony Hunt, will bring Bernstein’s sumptuous, sparkling score to life.

Candide is a whimsical golden age musical full of adventure, love and glitter. But behind this rich façade lies a world of hard truths which our heroes must face if they are to make the world a better place.

Music by Leonard Bernstein | Book by Hugh Wheeler after Voltaire | Lyrics by Richard Wilbur with additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, John Latouche, Lillian Hellmann, Dorothy Parker and Leonard Bernstein | Orchestrations by Leonard Bernstein and Hershy Kay; Musical Continuity and Additional Orchestrations by John Mauceri
These performances are given by permission of Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd, exclusive agents for Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Ltd of London.

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