Candide, a comic operetta in two acts
Based on the satire by Voltaire
Music by Leonard Bernstein; Book by Hugh Wheeler after Voltaire; Lyrics by Richard Wilbur, with additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, John La Touche, Lillian Hellman, Dorothy Parker and Leonard Bernstein; Orchestrations by Leonard Bernstein and Hershy Kay; Musical continuity and additional orchestrations by John Mauceri; Performed by arrangement with Boosey and Hawkes
Cast
Candide Nick Pritchard
Dr Pangloss Frederick Long
Cunegonde Ellie Neate
Old Lady Sarah Pring
Maximilian Matthew Kellett
Governor (‘Commodore’) James Liu
Paquette Hannah Leggatt-McPhee*
Captain/Vanderdendur/Ragotski Adam Brown*
*Vocal student at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Blackheath Halls Opera Chorus
Blackheath Halls Orchestra
Blackheath Halls Opera Youth Company
Students from Charlton Park Academy and Greenvale School
Production team
Musical Director Christopher Stark
Director Sebastian Harcombe
Designer Elliott Squire
Lighting Designer Tracey Gibbs
Participant and audience reviews
‘Over the last several years, I have had several health issues. I seriously think being able to participate in Candide was the best physical/mental therapy I have had.’ Candide chorus member
‘This community opera is a rare and special thing – long may it continue.’ Candide audience member
‘After several hits, it should have been obvious that Blackheath Halls Opera’s production of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide would be a total delight. But settling back for two hours of unalloyed pleasure in a grim year was a surprising sensation indeed, and there was no end to the inventiveness of this bubbly staging. A starry cast led by Nick Pritchard and Ellie Neate, joined by musicians from the community, turned in a performance to remember. Look out for the company’s 2023 offering. Or take part!’ Culture Whisper – read the full review
Blackheath Halls Opera 2022 Evaluation Report
