West Chester University Opera Theatre Presents CANDIDE by Leonard Bernstein
Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5
West Chester University Opera Theatre, part of WCU’s Wells School of Music, will stage CANDIDE by Leonard Bernstein on Saturday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 5, at 3 p.m. in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for seniors and non-West Chester students. West Chester University faculty, staff, and student tickets are FREE. Tickets can be purchased at https://wcupatix.com/schoolofmusic.
Director of Opera Nicholas Provenzale directs CANDIDE alongside Joseph Hodge who conducts a full orchestra of strings supplemented by woodwind, brass, and percussion. Lisa Lovelace is the choreographer.
Leonard Bernstein’s comic operetta CANDIDE was first performed on Broadway in 1956. Based on Voltaire’s satirical 1759 novella about innocence, optimism, and the unexpected lessons of life, a young and naïve Candide stumbles from one earthly catastrophe to the next, gaining wisdom along the way. With a legendary score, CANDIDE is funny, philosophical, and deeply moving. It is performed in English with English supertitles.
Director Nicholas Provenzale says, “CANDIDE blurs the lines between opera and musical theatre. It is written in English and includes
a lot of dialogue, which is not typical of an opera. It is beloved for its spectacular
music, which includes soaring arias and an overture that has become popular of its
own accord and is regularly performed on orchestra programs.”
After CANDIDE premiered on Broadway in 1956 it was reworked several times for various opera houses and Broadway revivals. WCU students perform the 1988 version, which was written for an opera company, and was the last adaptation of the show that Bernstein worked on before his death in 1990.
Provenzale adds, “I have wanted to direct CANDIDE for a long time. It’s a terrific show for young voices. The music is lively and fun, and the show is funny. I knew that the students would connect with the material. They are coming to rehearsal prepared and eager to work.”
CANDIDE will have two separate casts for the Friday and Saturday performances. Cast members include: Quinn Adams, David Arlen, James Baker, Zoe Bennett, Danny Doyle, Joe Galdi, Lily Gonglik, Frankie Jacquette, Liz Jones, Elise Leid, Angel Martinez, Mary Kate McKenzie, Jess McNeely, Braedon O’Hara, Grace Ongosi, Owen Preimon, Francesco Protasi, Becca Rock, John Rossi, Lauren Sakes, Julia Webster, and Ethan Whitney.