Candide 2005
"A concert performance of Bernstein's famous musical."
Lonny Price's 2005 concert staging of Leonard Bernstein's satirical operetta, Candide (2005), turns Voltaire's sharp wit into a sparkling musical odyssey.
Director: Lonny Price
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Candide (2005) about?
Candide (2005) follows a wide-eyed young philosopher whose romance with Cunegonde is crushed by her aristocratic father. Cast out into a chaotic world, he faces war, natural disasters, and human greed before discovering whether optimism can survive hardship.
Who directed Candide?
Lonny Price directed this concert performance, blending his theatrical vision with Leonard Bernstein's iconic score.
Who stars in Candide?
The main cast includes Thomas Allen, Paul Groves, Kristin Chenoweth, Patti LuPone, and Jeff Blumenkrantz.
Is Candide (2005) worth watching?
Fans of Bernstein's music and sharp satire will find much to enjoy in this lively concert staging. While the IMDb rating is unrated, the energetic performances and accessible humor make it a rewarding watch for musical comedy lovers.
How long is Candide?
Candide (2005) runs for 120 minutes, or exactly two hours of non-stop wit and melody.
About Candide (2005) — A Sparkling Concert Staging of Bernstein's Classic Satire
Lonny Price's 2005 concert staging of Leonard Bernstein's satirical operetta, Candide (2005), turns Voltaire's sharp wit into a sparkling musical odyssey. Thomas Allen and Paul Groves share the titular role, a dreamy young man whose love for Cunegonde (Kristin Chenoweth) is thwarted by class barriers and a parade of absurd calamities. Patti LuPone and Jeff Blumenkrantz round out the cast, delivering razor-edged comedy wrapped in Bernstein's soaring, jazz-tinged score. Beneath the glittering surface, the production skewers optimism, bureaucracy, and human folly with infectious energy and irreverent charm.
Set against a minimal stage that gleams with wit rather than spectacle, Candide (2005) balances heartbreak and laughter while questioning whether virtue can survive in a world of relentless misfortune. The television broadcast preserves the immediacy of a live performance, letting the ensemble's chemistry and Bernstein's melodies shine through every comic twist and melodramatic detour.