Candide: Musical Info & Synopsis
Synopsis:
Candide tells the adventurous tale of a young man named Candide who’s 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, the musical explores themes of optimism, resilience, and the human capacity to endure even in the face of absurdity and cruelty.
Musical Information
Musical Type: Golden Age (1956)
Cast Size: 12+
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Setting: 1700s / France (Paris), Italy, Spain, Uruguay
Creative Team
Music/Lyrics: Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics: Richard Wilbur, John Latouche, Stephen Sondheim*, Dorothy Parker
Book: John Caird*, Hugh Wheeler*, Lillian Hellman
* Writers who worked on the 1974/1999 revivals of the show
Cast Albums
Original Broadway Cast (1956)➝
New York City Opera Cast (1982)➝
Royal National Theatre Cast (1999)➝
Resources
Licensing: Music Theatre International➝
Sheet Music: Amazon➝
Tags
1950s, Based on a Book, Golden Age, One-Word, Operetta, Rom-Com, Satire
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