The Knights: Bernstein’s “Candide”: Fully staged performances
The Knights; Eric Jacobsen, conductor; Miles Mykkanen, tenor (Candide); Sharleen Joynt, soprano (Cunegonde); Alex Mansoori, tenor (Baron/Governor/Vanderdendur/Ragotski); Alexander Elliott, baritone (Maximilian/Grand Inquisitor); Courtney Lopes, dancer; Alison Moritz, stage director; John Heginbotham, choreographer; Aaron Copp, lighting designer; Amanda Seymour
Leonard Bernstein’s delightful 1956 comic operetta Candide is based on the 18th-century philosopher Voltaire’s satirical novel, which follows the title character’s traumatic adventures in imperial Europe and semi-civilized South America. All the while, his teacher’s philosophy of “All’s for the best in this best of all possible worlds” is put to the test. Candide’s vain sweetheart Cunegonde undergoes even worse trials as they’re separated and reunited. Lillian Hellman wrote the original play; the song lyrics were mostly by poet Richard Wilbur. The score includes such familiar numbers as “Glitter and Be Gay” and “Make Our Garden Grow.”
