Candide - Barbican Performance (1989)
Leonard Bernstein's operetta performed at the Barbican in 1989 and conducted by the maestro himself. As it was the last production of Candide performed before Bernstein's death, it is considered to be the "definitive" version.
Where to watch
Candide is available on DVD (as an affiliate, Filmed Live Musicals may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you).
theatrical history
Stage Production Notes
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.
Bernstein continued making revisions until a few years before his death in 1990. Stephen Sondheim, Richard Wilbur, John La Touche, Dorothy Parker, and conductor John Mauceri all contributed updates over various productions. There are now at least seven different versions of the show.
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.
In 1986, under the direction of Hal Prince, the New York City Opera staged a popular “opera house” version of Candide. It was aired on American television on PBS’ Live from Lincoln Center, and was revived multiple times.
In 1988, the Scottish Opera and Old Vic staged a production with new lyrics by John Wells and musical direction by John Mauceri. The production transferred to the West End and won the 1989 Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
Leonard Bernstein revised the Scottish Opera production, and this score was performed in concert at the Barbican Theatre in London on December 12 and 13, 1989. The production featured the London Symphony Orchestra, and starred Adolph Green, June Anderson, Christa Ludwig, and Jerry Hadley. Bernstein conducted the concert himself, and as he died a year a later, the Barbican Concert version is considered the "definitive" version of Candide.
A studio recording 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.
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.
Bernstein continued making revisions until a few years before his death in 1990. Stephen Sondheim, Richard Wilbur, John La Touche, Dorothy Parker, and conductor John Mauceri all contributed updates over various productions. There are now at least seven different versions of the show.
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.
In 1986, under the direction of Hal Prince, the New York City Opera staged a popular “opera house” version of Candide. It was aired on American television on PBS’ Live from Lincoln Center, and was revived multiple times.
In 1988, the Scottish Opera and Old Vic staged a production with new lyrics by John Wells and musical direction by John Mauceri. The production transferred to the West End and won the 1989 Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
Leonard Bernstein revised the Scottish Opera production, and this score was performed in concert at the Barbican Theatre in London on December 12 and 13, 1989. The production featured the London Symphony Orchestra, and starred Adolph Green, June Anderson, Christa Ludwig, and Jerry Hadley. Bernstein conducted the concert himself, and as he died a year a later, the Barbican Concert version is considered the "definitive" version of Candide.
A studio recording 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.
film history
The second night of the Barbican performance was taped live, and released on VHS and Laserdisc by Deutsche Grammophon in 1991.
The live recording received mixed reviews. Martin Bernheimer writing for the Los Angeles Times described it as a “sad testament,” while the Wall Street Journal’s Mark Swed stated “The video is the one to have.” In a review for Musical America, Charles Passey noted “what makes the video special is the sheer "liveness" of it: Virtually all the singers radiate in a way that is simply not possible on the recording.”
The concert was broadcast on television Arts & Entertainment Network on October 15, 1991.
Deutsche Grammophon released the DVD in 2006.
Candide is available on DVD (as an affiliate, Filmed Live Musicals may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you).
The live recording received mixed reviews. Martin Bernheimer writing for the Los Angeles Times described it as a “sad testament,” while the Wall Street Journal’s Mark Swed stated “The video is the one to have.” In a review for Musical America, Charles Passey noted “what makes the video special is the sheer "liveness" of it: Virtually all the singers radiate in a way that is simply not possible on the recording.”
The concert was broadcast on television Arts & Entertainment Network on October 15, 1991.
Deutsche Grammophon released the DVD in 2006.
Candide is available on DVD (as an affiliate, Filmed Live Musicals may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you).
cast & creative credits
Theatre: Barbican Theatre, London
Producer: Harry J. Kraut, John Evans
Book: Hugh Wheeler
Music: Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics: Leonard Bernstein, Lillian Hellman, John LaTouch, Dorothy Parker, Stephen Sondheim, Richard Wilbur
Narrative: Leonard Bernstein and John Wells
Director: Humphrey Burton
Musical Director and Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
Lighting Design: Alan Woolford
Sound Design: John Evans
Make-Up Design: Amelia Bauer
Stage Manager: Julia Whiteoak
Cast:
Jerry Hadley (Candide), June Anderson (Cunegonde), Adolph Green (Pangloss/Martin), Christa Ludwig (The Old Lady), Kurt Ollmann (Maximillian/Captain), Nicolai Gedda (Governor/Vanderdendur/Ragotski), Della Jones (Paquette), Clive Bayley (Bear Keeper/ Inquisitor/ Czar Ivan), Lindsay Benson (Doctor/Inquisitor/King Stanislaus), Neil Jenkins (Cosmetic Merchant/Inquisitor/Prince Charles Edward), Richard Suart (Junmkan/Inquisitor/King Hermann Augustus), John Treleaven (Alchemist/Inquisitor/Sultan Achmet/Crook), Simon Bainbridge (First Choir Soloist), Chris Short (Second Choir Soloist), Aileen Perris (Third Choir Soloist), Andrew Farrow (Choir Croupier), London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Producer: Harry J. Kraut, John Evans
Book: Hugh Wheeler
Music: Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics: Leonard Bernstein, Lillian Hellman, John LaTouch, Dorothy Parker, Stephen Sondheim, Richard Wilbur
Narrative: Leonard Bernstein and John Wells
Director: Humphrey Burton
Musical Director and Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
Lighting Design: Alan Woolford
Sound Design: John Evans
Make-Up Design: Amelia Bauer
Stage Manager: Julia Whiteoak
Cast:
Jerry Hadley (Candide), June Anderson (Cunegonde), Adolph Green (Pangloss/Martin), Christa Ludwig (The Old Lady), Kurt Ollmann (Maximillian/Captain), Nicolai Gedda (Governor/Vanderdendur/Ragotski), Della Jones (Paquette), Clive Bayley (Bear Keeper/ Inquisitor/ Czar Ivan), Lindsay Benson (Doctor/Inquisitor/King Stanislaus), Neil Jenkins (Cosmetic Merchant/Inquisitor/Prince Charles Edward), Richard Suart (Junmkan/Inquisitor/King Hermann Augustus), John Treleaven (Alchemist/Inquisitor/Sultan Achmet/Crook), Simon Bainbridge (First Choir Soloist), Chris Short (Second Choir Soloist), Aileen Perris (Third Choir Soloist), Andrew Farrow (Choir Croupier), London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
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)
- 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)
- Peter G. David, “Garden Variety,” New York Magazine (May 24, 2004)
- Andrew Gans, “Candide — with LuPone and Chenoweth — to Arrive on DVD in May,” Playbill (March 24, 2005)
- Andrew Gans, “Candide, Starring Patti LuPone and Kristin Chenoweth, Will Be Available Online from Digital Theatre,” Playbill (May 29, 2014)
- Adam Hetrick, “BroadwayHD Adds Imelda Staunton Gypsy, LuPone Sweeney Todd, Company, Follies,” Playbill (April 14, 2016)
- Robert Simonson, Andrew Gans, “Chenoweth and LuPone Sing Candide on PBS Jan. 12,” Playbill (Jan 12, 2005)
- David Patrick Stearns, “Candide Redux,” Opera News, 56.2 (Aug, 1991), pg. 12
- 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)
- 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)
Websites
- Arkiv Music, “Bernstein: Candide / Hadley, Anderson, Ludwig,” Accessed via: http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=144807
- Michael H. Hutchins, Sondheim Guide, “Candide: 2004 New York Philharmonic Concerts” Accessed via: http://www.sondheimguide.com/Candide/04nypo.html
- Michael H. Hutchins, Sondheim Guide, “A Guide to Leonard Bernstein’s Candide,” Accessed via: http://www.sondheimguide.com/Candide/index.html
- 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
- Playbill, “Candide”, Accessed via: http://www.playbill.com/production/candide-martin-beck-theatre-vault-0000008270
Written by Luisa Lyons (October, 2017)