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)➝
New York City Opera Cast (1982)➝
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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