Voltaire’s satirical tale of mindless optimism springs to life through a brilliant score from famed West Side Story composer Leonard Bernstein.
Filled with sparkling wit and humour, Candide is a unique fusion of opera and musical theatre, utterly irreverent, drawing inspiration from European operetta to Latin American dance rhythms.
Join us on an adventure as we follow our hero and his beloved, Cunégonde, through a world gone mad, inhabited by an endless array of vicious, greedy, lustful, and manipulative characters. Portraying this vibrant cast of characters is a versatile and talented Australian ensemble, led by the multi-talented music theatre Renaissance man, Eddie Perfect, and award-winning star of Hamilton, Lyndon Watts.
Prepare to witness St Kilda’s iconic Palais Theatre transformed into “The Best of All Possible Worlds” in this thrilling new production, directed by Dean Bryant and designed by Dann Barber, with lighting by Matt Scott. The symphonic magic of this brilliant score will be conjured by maestro Benjamin Northey with Orchestra Victoria. Sung in English.
Content warning: This production contains mature content, depictions of hanging and flogging, atmospheric haze, strobe lightning effects, loud thunder, and simulated explosion sounds.
Recommended for ages 15+
Thursday 8 February, 7.30 pm; Friday 9 February, 7.30 pm; Saturday 10 February, 7.30 pm
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an interval
Palais Theatre, St Kilda
TICKETS: $39 – $90