Leonard Bernstein's Candide (2005)

Worst of All Possible Productions

It doesn't seem possible that a cast and production team with this much talent could unleash a disappointment this, well, awful. Technically, it's a mess. Sound is garbled in places, cameras are focused on areas where nothing is happening, and empty spots on the stage are hit with spotlights that then are yanked away. The formidable cast are each in fine voice, but their voices don't sound fine when they sing together, It's the aural equivalent of wearing stripes and plaids at the same time.

But worst of all is the direction of the concert. Candide is a timeless tale, and its power lies in the universal message. Inserting jokes about catholic priests buying boys to molest, placing a Donald Trump imitator as a judge of the inquisition, and countless other gags not only are not funny, but they show how little understanding of the material the directing team has.

Candide is one of the great works of American musical theater. Hopefully it will never be this poorly presented again. August 18, 2008

candide

I liked it. Was familiar with the story/music, etc. but enjoyed re-viewing it. Unable to see live performance at local theater, but this was almost as good. May 25, 2008

Terrific

Terrific!!!!
Lots of fun!!!!
Excellent cast!!!!!!
Excellent sound and visuals.
What else is there to say? April 9, 2008

Absolutely Incredible!

I originally read Candide and found it an amazing yet tragic story. As soon as I discovered Kristin Chenoweth and Patti LuPone starred in Leonard Bernstein's Candide, I went out and bought it straight away. I have to admit it was ten times better than I thought it was going to be. I laughed through most of it because of how hilarious the characters were. This production was brilliant and I've got to say I've rewatchd it more times than I can count. Not only are the performers funny but absolutely incredible singers! The operetta was really brought together well and is one of my favourite productions I've ever seen. April 7, 2008

The best of all...

This is truly the best of all possible versions for the sparkling and optimistic Candide.
What a production! From the magnificent conducting of Marin Alsop (brava!) to the ever present and participant choir to the cast: great singers, superb actors, pure comedians.
Who can find a better "dream team": the funny satirical narration/singing of Thomas Allen, chameleonic Jeff Blumenkrantz, baby face but powerful voice of Paul Groves, and the (great) female duo of Patti LuPone -she rules, for Heaven'sake- and Kristin Chenowet.
If you are favoring a more "operatic" version of Candide probably you would prefer Deutsche Gramphon's directed by Bernstein himself, but if you want a non stopping 116 minutes of top american musical stage and ALSO the purest spirit of Bernstein play, this is the one for you.
Finishing the recital you can imagine Mr.Bernstein... alive and enjoying it! March 2, 2008

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