The LA Opera has announced a cast change for its 2026-27 season of “Candide.”

The company said Deanna Breiwick will no longer be able to perform Cunegonde and will be replaced by Meghan Picerno.

Breiwick also took to social media an said, “I want to share that I’ll be stepping away from Cunegonde in LA Opera’s upcoming production of Candide this fall because… I am having a baby! I’m so grateful to the team at LA Opera for their care and support as I step into this new and very special season of life. Cunegonde is one of my favorite women in the repertoire. I’ve always loved her fire, her humor, her resilience, her vulnerability… and of course, her wild vocal fireworks. I’ll miss being with her this time around. I’m thrilled that Meghan Picerno will be taking over the role. She is absolute FIRE in this role and you won’t want to miss it! Life has a way of unfolding in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. I’m holding a lot of gratitude for it all.”

Picerno is set to join a cast that includes Duke Kim, Patti LuPone, Mario Manzo, Emily Damasco, Katie Trigg, Vinícius Costa, and Samuel Wallace.

“Candide” opens on Nov. 21 to Dec. 13, 2026.

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