University of Toronto – Leonard Bernstein’s Candide

reviewed by Paula Citron
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Candide
University of Toronto
Composed by Leonard Bernstein
Book adapted from Voltaire by Hugh Wheeler and lyrics by Richard Wilbur (et al)
New York City Opera version (1982)
Conducted by David Briskin
Directed by Michael Patrick Albano
Starring Christopher Enns, Lindsay Barrett, Erica Iris Huang, Andrew Love, James Baldwin, Rebecca Collett
At the MacMillan Theatre until Feb. 7
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The University of Toronto’s production of Leonard Bernstein’s operetta Candide is a triumph.

The pan-music faculty forces includes the opera division, the MacMillan Singers under Doreen Rao, and the student orchestra – with the usual creative team – director Michael Patrick Albano, set and lighting designer Fred Perruzza and costume designer Lisa Magill who have pulled together an utterly clever production that highlights the satire.

The new kid is conductor David Briskin who heads up the conducting program and musically, Candide soars. Briskin opted for the 1982 New York City Opera version which provides many opportunities for solo singing.

The talented young people throw themselves in the roles, but there are diction problems when one wants to savour every word. Tenor Christopher Enns gives a flawless performance as Candide.

The operetta is billed as “A Faculty of Music Celebration” and the production is a marvellous cure for the February blues.

This “not to miss” Candide continues at the MacMillan Theatre until Feb. 7.