There are evenings when a thematic program feels like an academic conceit, and others when it becomes a kinetic organism. The Norwegian National Opera’s “Wonderful Bernstein!” concert belonged emphatically to the latter category: a selection of Leonard Bernstein’s works reflecting the American spirit not as monument, but as motion — restless, jazzy, and theatrically alive. The architecture of the {…}
(Photo credit: Carlita Sari) Lillian Hellman, who suggested the idea of the musical “Candide” to the great American composer Leonard Bernstein, once described Voltaire’s original 1759 novel on which the show is based as “the greatest piece of slapdash ever written.” The novel certainly packs a breathless pace as it follows its eponymous hero on an adversity-filled journey around the {…}
Opera Australia is set to present Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide” with Eddie Perfect and Lyndon Watts. The work will be performed at the Joan Sutherland Theatre starting Feb. 20, 2025 and running through March 14, 2025. The operetta will be performed in a production by Dean Bryant with costumes by Dann Barber, lighting by Matt Scott, and choreography by Freya List. The {…}
The Victorian Opera is set to present Bernstein’s “Candide” as the company’s first production of 2024. The piece will be performed three times from Feb. 8 to 10, 2024 at St Kilda’s Palais Theatre. The production is led by the multi-talented and Tony-nominated composer of Beetlejuice and star of Offspring, Eddie Perfect and Lyndon Watts, the award-winning breakout star of {…}
The Light Opera of New Jersey has unveiled its 2022-23 season which will feature two operas. First up will be a semi-staged version of Bernstein’s “Candide.” Executive Director, Jason Tramm will lead the Light Opera of New Jersey Orchestra and a cast of over 60 singers in the production. Soloists include both opera and Broadway performers such as Victor Starsky {…}
(Photo: Opera Company of Middlebury) Opera Company of Middlebury’s utterly delightful streaming production of Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide,” originally broadcast in June 2021, is back for a few more days, and viewable on OCM’s YouTube channel through Mar. 1, 2022. Don’t miss it. The pandemic was the mother of innovation. And OCM created the best of all possible worlds (wink, wink) {…}
The Opera Company of Middlebury is now streaming its video production of “Candide.” The work stars Joshua Jeremiah as Pangloss, Quinn bernegger as Candide, Cree Carrico as Cunegonde, Blake Jennings as Maximilian, Heather Jones as Paquette, and Tara Curtis as the Old Lady. Other cast members include Joshua Collier, Kian Kreitas, Jim Douglas, Victoria Drew, Allison Steinmetz, Melissa Chesnut-Tangerman, Linda {…}
“Page to Opera Stage” looks at stories – real-life or fiction, old and new – that have inspired operas, and the ways these narratives have been edited and dramatized to fit a new medium. This month, we look at Voltaire’s 18th century satirical novel “Candide”, which inspired Leonard Bernstein’s 20th century masterpiece. The prolific output of French historian, philosopher, satirist, {…}
(Credit: Erica Furgiuele) The Opera Company of Middlebury (OCM) in Vermont has announced a cinematic reimagining of Leonard Bernstein’s comic operetta “Candide.” The production will stream online as a ticketed event from June 15 to June 30 on the company’s YouTube channel. OCM’s retelling, which includes narration by former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas, employs traditional theatrical elements alongside modern technology, {…}
The Knights Orchestra is set to stream “Candide” on August 25, 2020, in celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s 102 birthday. The production was directed by Alison Moritz and starred Miles Mykkanen in the title role with Sharleen Joynt as Cunegonde, Margaret Gawrsyak as the Old Lady, and Evan Jones as Pangloss, Voltaire, and Cacambo. Other cast members include Alexander Elliot, Alex {…}
Edmonton Opera is set to open a production of Bernstein’s “Candide” starting on March 14, 2020 at the Jubilee Auditorium. Joel Ivany will direct the company premiere of the famed work with Peter Dala conducting. In the title role, audiences will see Adam Fisher. He will be joined by Caitlin Wood as Cunegonde, John Ullyatt as Dr. Pangloss and the {…}