Candide: Musical Info & Synopsis


Synopsis:

Candide tells the tale of a young man named Candide whose journey takes him through a series of misadventures. Throughout his travels, Candide remains hopeful and searches for his true love, Cunegonde, who has also faced her share of hardships. As they reunite and part ways repeatedly, Candide explores themes of optimism, resilience, and the human capacity to endure.


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Musical Information

Musical Type: Golden Age (1956)

Cast Size: 12+

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Setting: 1700s / Argentina, France (Paris), Italy, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, At Sea


Creative Team

Music/Lyrics: Leonard Bernstein

Lyrics: Richard Wilbur, John La Touche, Dorothy Parker, Stephen Sondheim*

Book: Lillian Hellman, John Caird*, Hugh Wheeler*

* Writers who worked on the 1974/1999 revivals of the show


Awards

Laurence Olivier Award: Best New Musical (1988)

New York Drama Critics’ Circle: Best Musical (1974)


Cast Albums

Original Broadway Cast (1956)➝

Broadway Cast (1974)➝

New York City Opera Cast (1982)➝

Scottish Opera Cast (1991)➝

Broadway Cast (1997)➝

Royal National Theatre Cast (1999)➝


Licensing

Candide is available for licensing through Music Theatre International.

Europe Licensing Options

International Licensing Options


Resources

Sheet Music: Amazon➝


Tags

1950s, Animals, Based on a Book, Golden Age, Narrator, One-Word, Operetta, Pirates, Rom-Com, Satire, War


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