Candide - New York City Opera (1986)
Leonard Bernstein's operetta performed by the New York City Opera under the direction of Hal Prince.
Where to watch
The New York City Opera production of Candide is not officially available to view, though copies have found their way to YouTube.
theatrical history
Leonard Bernstein’s operetta Candide is based on the French novel Candide, ou L’Optimisme by Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire. The story is a criticism of the notion that “All is for the best in the best of all possible worlds,” and follows the life of Candide, a young man seeking happiness in the world and instead finding war, famine, and grief.
Initially collaborating with Lillian Hellman, Bernstein wrote the score in the early 1950s. He premiered the Overture in 1956 with the New York Philharmonic where it was an instant hit.
Candide was first performed in Boston. The out-of-town try-outs were infamous for running long, with the curtain coming down until well after midnight on at least one occasion.
Candide opened on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on December 1, 1956. The production was directed by Tyrone Guthrie, and featured Max Adrian as Dr. Pangloss, Barbara Cook as Cunegonde, Irra Petina as the Old Lady, and Robert Rouseville as Candide.
The production received positive reviews, with New York Times theatre critic Brooks Atkinson describing it as a “brilliant musical satire,” and praising Bernstein’s “wonderful score,” and the visual sumptuousness of the production.
Candide was nominated for multiple awards, including five Tony Awards.
Despite the critical praise, the show was a commercial flop and closed on February 2, 1957 after 73 performances.
In 1982, under the direction of Hal Prince, the New York City Opera staged a popular new production of Candide which became known as the “opera house version.” The lavish production featured 46 cast members, and an orchestra of 52 players.
The opera house version was performed in repertory until 1984, and again during a short 8 performance run in 1986. During the latter run, Candide was broadcast live on PBS’ Live from Lincoln Center.
In 1988, the Scottish Opera and Old Vic co-produced a revised staging with new lyrics by John Wells and musical direction by John Mauceri. The popular production transferred to the West End where it won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The production was filmed at the Old Vic and broadcast on television on the BBC.
Leonard Bernstein made further revisions the Scottish Opera/Old Vic production, and created what is now considered the “definitive version.” This version was performed in concert at the Barbican Theatre in London on December 12 and 13, 1989, under the baton of Bernstein himself. The second Barbican concert was was filmed live and released on VHS, Laserdisc. It was later released on DVD.
A studio recording with the cast of the Barbican concert was released in 1991 under the title Bernstein Conducts Candide.
Under the direction of Lonny Price, the New York Philharmonic presented a staged concert version of Candide at Lincoln Center as a part of its 2004 season. This production was also filmed live.
Candide has continued to be performed around the world, with productions in England, Scotland, Israel, and across the United States. It is one of the Bernstein’s most frequently performed symphonic compositions.
Initially collaborating with Lillian Hellman, Bernstein wrote the score in the early 1950s. He premiered the Overture in 1956 with the New York Philharmonic where it was an instant hit.
Candide was first performed in Boston. The out-of-town try-outs were infamous for running long, with the curtain coming down until well after midnight on at least one occasion.
Candide opened on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on December 1, 1956. The production was directed by Tyrone Guthrie, and featured Max Adrian as Dr. Pangloss, Barbara Cook as Cunegonde, Irra Petina as the Old Lady, and Robert Rouseville as Candide.
The production received positive reviews, with New York Times theatre critic Brooks Atkinson describing it as a “brilliant musical satire,” and praising Bernstein’s “wonderful score,” and the visual sumptuousness of the production.
Candide was nominated for multiple awards, including five Tony Awards.
Despite the critical praise, the show was a commercial flop and closed on February 2, 1957 after 73 performances.
In 1982, under the direction of Hal Prince, the New York City Opera staged a popular new production of Candide which became known as the “opera house version.” The lavish production featured 46 cast members, and an orchestra of 52 players.
The opera house version was performed in repertory until 1984, and again during a short 8 performance run in 1986. During the latter run, Candide was broadcast live on PBS’ Live from Lincoln Center.
In 1988, the Scottish Opera and Old Vic co-produced a revised staging with new lyrics by John Wells and musical direction by John Mauceri. The popular production transferred to the West End where it won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The production was filmed at the Old Vic and broadcast on television on the BBC.
Leonard Bernstein made further revisions the Scottish Opera/Old Vic production, and created what is now considered the “definitive version.” This version was performed in concert at the Barbican Theatre in London on December 12 and 13, 1989, under the baton of Bernstein himself. The second Barbican concert was was filmed live and released on VHS, Laserdisc. It was later released on DVD.
A studio recording with the cast of the Barbican concert was released in 1991 under the title Bernstein Conducts Candide.
Under the direction of Lonny Price, the New York Philharmonic presented a staged concert version of Candide at Lincoln Center as a part of its 2004 season. This production was also filmed live.
Candide has continued to be performed around the world, with productions in England, Scotland, Israel, and across the United States. It is one of the Bernstein’s most frequently performed symphonic compositions.
Film history
On November 12, 1986, the New York City Opera production of Candide was broadcast across North American televisions on PBS’ Live from Lincoln Center.
The broadcast was billed as the first Bernstein musical to be aired live on national television and the first musical to be aired on Live from Lincoln Center (contentions about whether or not Candide is a “musical” or an “opera” aside).
New York City Opera director Beverly Sills hosted the live broadcast, and during the intermission, Sills interviewed director Hal Prince.
While the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) at the New York Public Library holds a copy of the broadcast on VHS, the New York City Opera 1986 performance of Candide is not currently officially available to view.
The broadcast was billed as the first Bernstein musical to be aired live on national television and the first musical to be aired on Live from Lincoln Center (contentions about whether or not Candide is a “musical” or an “opera” aside).
New York City Opera director Beverly Sills hosted the live broadcast, and during the intermission, Sills interviewed director Hal Prince.
While the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) at the New York Public Library holds a copy of the broadcast on VHS, the New York City Opera 1986 performance of Candide is not currently officially available to view.
cast & creative credits
Theatre: Metropolitan Opera House, New York City
Producer: John Goberman, Marc Bauman
Book: Adapted from Voltaire by Hugh Wheeler
Music: Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics: Richard Wilbur
Additional Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim and John Latouche
Director: Harold Prince, Film: Kirk Browning
Orchestrations: Leonard Bernstein and Hershy Kay
Additional Orchestrations: John Mauceri
Choreography: Patricia Birch
Scenic Design: Clarke Dunham
Costume Design: Judith Dolan
Lighting Design: Ken Billington
Conductor: Scott Bergeson
Cast:
John Lankston (Voltaire / Dr. Pangloss), David Eisler (Candide), Erie Mills (Cunegonde), Scott Reeve (Maximilian), Deborah Darr (Paquette), Muriel Costa-Greenspon (Old Lady), Don Yule (Huntsman / Bulgarian Soldier / Don), Bonnie Kirk (Baroness / Calliope Player), Jack Harrold (Baron / Grand Inquisitor / Slave Driver / Pasha-Prefect), James Billings (Servant of Maximilian / Bulgarian Soldier / Don Issachar (The Jew) Judge / Father Bernard / First Gambler), Andy Roth (Westphalian Soldier / Don / Sailor), William Ledbetter (Westphalian Soldier / Don / Pirate), Ralph Bassett (Heresy Agent / Don), Gary Dietrich (Inquisition Agent / Sailor), William Poplaski (Inquisition Agent / Sailor), Aurelio Padron (Don / Governor's Aide / Sailor), Michael Rubino (Don), John Henry Thomas (Pirate), Ivy Austin (Pink Sheep), Rhoda Butler (Pink Sheep), James Sergei (Lion)
Producer: John Goberman, Marc Bauman
Book: Adapted from Voltaire by Hugh Wheeler
Music: Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics: Richard Wilbur
Additional Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim and John Latouche
Director: Harold Prince, Film: Kirk Browning
Orchestrations: Leonard Bernstein and Hershy Kay
Additional Orchestrations: John Mauceri
Choreography: Patricia Birch
Scenic Design: Clarke Dunham
Costume Design: Judith Dolan
Lighting Design: Ken Billington
Conductor: Scott Bergeson
Cast:
John Lankston (Voltaire / Dr. Pangloss), David Eisler (Candide), Erie Mills (Cunegonde), Scott Reeve (Maximilian), Deborah Darr (Paquette), Muriel Costa-Greenspon (Old Lady), Don Yule (Huntsman / Bulgarian Soldier / Don), Bonnie Kirk (Baroness / Calliope Player), Jack Harrold (Baron / Grand Inquisitor / Slave Driver / Pasha-Prefect), James Billings (Servant of Maximilian / Bulgarian Soldier / Don Issachar (The Jew) Judge / Father Bernard / First Gambler), Andy Roth (Westphalian Soldier / Don / Sailor), William Ledbetter (Westphalian Soldier / Don / Pirate), Ralph Bassett (Heresy Agent / Don), Gary Dietrich (Inquisition Agent / Sailor), William Poplaski (Inquisition Agent / Sailor), Aurelio Padron (Don / Governor's Aide / Sailor), Michael Rubino (Don), John Henry Thomas (Pirate), Ivy Austin (Pink Sheep), Rhoda Butler (Pink Sheep), James Sergei (Lion)
awards & nominations
B. Iden Payne Award
- Conner Darnell for Outstanding Editing (winner)
- Guinevere Govea for Outstanding Original Script - Feature Length (winner)
- Outstanding Production
- Anna Pickett for Outstanding Direction
- Will Derden and Emily Watson for Outstanding Lead Performer
- Jayla Ball for Outstanding Featured Performer
- Outstanding Large Cast
- Mallory Maybin for Outstanding Dramaturgy
- Alex Titsworth for Outstanding Sound Design
- Guinevere Govea for Outstanding Music Direction, Outstanding Score
research sources
Books
Articles
Websites
- David Bleiler, TLA Film, Video, and DVD Guide 2002-2003: The Discerning Film Lover's Guide, St Martin’s Press (2014)
- Susan Higgins, Conversations With Ann Howard, AuthorHouse (2014)
- Paul R. Laird and Hsun Lin, Leonard Bernstein: A Research and Information Guide, Second Edition, Routledge (2015)
Articles
- Brooks Atkinson, “The Theatre: Candide,” New York Times (Dec 3, 1956)
- Byron Belt, “A Sparkling TV Production of ‘Candide’” Honolulu Star-Bulletin (Nov 9, 1986), p.8
- Ray Cooklis, “‘Candide’ is well at last and live tonight,” The Cincinnati Enquirer, (Nov 12, 1986), p.G1 and G12
- Peter G. David, “Garden Variety,” New York Magazine (May 24, 2004)
- Andrew Gans
- Adam Hetrick, “BroadwayHD Adds Imelda Staunton Gypsy, LuPone Sweeney Todd, Company, Follies,” Playbill (April 14, 2016)
- David Patrick Stearns, “Candide Redux,” Opera News, 56.2 (Aug, 1991), pg. 12
- John Rockwell, “City Opera: Bernstein’s ‘Candide’” New York Times (July 3, 1986)
- Robert Simonson, Andrew Gans, “Chenoweth and LuPone Sing Candide on PBS Jan. 12,” Playbill (Jan 12, 2005)
- Steven Suskin, “THE DVD SHELF: Candide, Long Day's Journey and James (Dean) & Julie (Harris),” Playbill (June 19, 2005)
- Anthony Tommasini, “Voltaire Via Bernstein, Donald Trump Reference Included,” New York Times (May 7, 2004)
- Michael Tumelty, “Backing up the master As Leonard Bernstein's Candide is about to be aired, Michael Tumelty tracks the career of John Mauceri, the Scottish Opera conductor who helped bring the masterpiece back to life and brought the great composer to Glasgow,” Herald Scotland (Dec 19, 2006)
- Heidi Waleson, “'Candide' Review: Nostalgia and Misfortune,” Wall Street Journal (Jan 10, 2017)
- James Wierzbicki, “BERNSTEIN'S `CANDIDE': [FIVE STAR Edition],” St. Louis Post - Dispatch (May 15, 1994)
- Zealnyc, “‘Candide’ Celebrates its 60th Anniversary with Celebrity Tributes,” Huffington Post (Dec 12, 2016)
- Sam Zolotow, “Run of Candide may close Feb 2,” New York Times (Jan 18, 1957)
- Author Unknown, “Praise Indeed,” The Stage (Oct 13, 1988), p.28
- Author Unknown, “PBS to broadcast Bernstein ‘Candide’,” The Central New Jersey Home News, (Nov 12, 1986), p. B8
Websites
- About Lincoln Center, “Past Telecasts,” Accessed via: http://www.aboutlincolncenter.org/programs/program-lflc/program-lflc-history/program-lflc-past-telecasts
- Arkiv Music, “Bernstein: Candide / Hadley, Anderson, Ludwig,” Accessed via: http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=144807
- The Stephen Sondheim Reference Guide, Compiled by Michael H. Hutchins
- “A Guide to Leonard Bernstein’s Candide,” Accessed via: http://www.sondheimguide.com/Candide/index.html
- “Candide: 1988 Scottish Opera Production,” Accessed via: www.sondheimguide.com/Candide/88scottish.html
- “Candide: 2004 New York Philharmonic Concerts,” Accessed via: http://www.sondheimguide.com/Candide/04nypo.html
- “Candide: 1982 New York City Opera Production,” Accessed via: http://www.sondheimguide.com/Candide/82nyco.html
- Leonard Bernstein, “Works: Stage: Candide (1956),” Accessed via: https://leonardbernstein.com/works/view/10/candide
- New York Philharmonic Leon Levy Digital Archives, “2004 May 05, 06, 07, 08 / Subscription Season / Alsop,” Accessed via: http://archives.nyphil.org/index.php/artifact/e4e2756c-d17c-4bbd-b223-cc597af71987/fullview#page/1/mode/2up
- Opera Scotland, “Candide,” Accessed via: http://www.operascotland.org/opera/366/Candide
- Playbill, “Candide”, Accessed via: http://www.playbill.com/production/candide-martin-beck-theatre-vault-0000008270
Written by Luisa Lyons (October, 2017)