Candide (version 1999)

With a score by legendary Leonard Bernstein is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Candide and its theatrical offerings. With a book from Hugh Wheeler and lyrical contributions from the incomparable Stephen Sondheim, Candide is a masterpiece for the ages.

Candide -- the bastard cousin of Baron Thunder-Ten-Tonck -- is expelled from home, dragged into the Bulgarian army, brought before the Spanish Inquisition, swindled out of a fortune, shipwrecked on a desert isle, and separated time and again from his true love Cunegonde. She, too, bears a barrage of misfortunes including, but no limited to, sale into prostitution, forced marriage to an exorbitantly wealthy man, and slavery. Through it all, however, they try remember the lessons of their dear master Dr. Pangloss: "Everything is for the best in this best of all possible worlds."

Elements of the original 1953 version, along with songs that had been dropped, rewritten or re-conceived, have been added or altered in this version in an effort to create a slightly re-imagined version of the classic Candide. This version requires a large ensemble with a strong female lead. It is the perfect opportunity to showcase your trained singers of varying ages.