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Candide Based on the novel by Voltaire Book by Hugh Wheeler Music by Leonard Bernstein Lyrics by John Latouche, Richard Wilbur & Stephen Sondheim Directed by L Walter Stearns Musical Director Eugene Dizon Choreographer Andrew Waters Produced by Porchlight Music Theatre At the Theatre Building Chicago 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL Call 773-327-5252, www.porchlighttheatre.com Tickets $37 with discounts for students & seniors Fridays & Saturdays at 7:45 pm Sundays at 2:30 pm Running time is 95 minutes without intermission Through November 2, 2008 Bernstein’s score and Voltaire satire fuel Porchlight’s splendid production of “Candide” The potent combination of Voltaire’s 1759 satire with Leonard Bernstein’s impressively melodic score in the 1973 “Chelsea version”—a compact 90 minute one act with book by Hugh Wheeler—makes “Candide’ into a hilarious operetta. Add the unique set (designed by Kurt Sharp) and swift, fluid staging by director Walter Stearns, and “Caandide” unfolds as a marvelously entertaining theatrical event. This beloved musical has a cult-like following of admirers who will enthusiastically love Stearns’ well paced, well sung, sexy and funny take on Voltaire’s tongue-in-cheek send-up of optimistic philosophies. “Candide” is part sophisticated operetta, part wacky screwball comedy with shades of Gilbert & Sullivan and Monty Python as it aims to poke fun at religion, privilege and authority.
In a manic paced one act, Porchlight’s production is first-class and well dressed (costume design by Bill Morey). We meet the hapless Candide (Ryan Lannig) as he is expelled from home, drafted into the Bulgarian army, brought before the Spanish Inquisition, swindled out of a fortune, shipwrecked on a desert isle. He is separated often from his beloved Cunegonde(Caitlin Collins). Throughout all his struggles, Candide remembers the lessons of his mentor Dr. Pangloss (David Girolmo): “That everything is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.”
Ryan Lannig’s Candide is boyish, charming and empathetic. David Girolmo, who appeared in Hal Prince’s Broadway Candide, anchors the show as Dr. Voltaire—the narrator and Dr. Pangloss, the Governor and others. Girolmo was terrific with his commanding presence. Caitlin Collins’ Cunegonde has the vocal chops to effectively nail her songs. Jeremy Rill comic instincts made Maxmillian a hoot. Kristen Frelich, as the sexy Old Lady steals some of her scenes. “Candide” owes much to the fine ensemble players (Christin Boulette, Cameron Brune, Sean Effinger-Dean, Gerald Richardson, Shannon Strodel, Jennifer Tjepkema, Joseph Tokarz and Daniel Waters) whose quick changes and stellar comedy made the biting satire into a musical romp. They poke fun at race, religion, gender, social status by utilizing physical comedy, burlesques, vaudeville and Commedia dell’Arte techniques.
Having the musicians in the middle of the house surrounded by ramps with seating on all four sides added to the intimacy that underscored the humor and the magnificent music from Eugene Dizon’s six member orchestra. Bernstein’s score—featuring the famous ‘Overture,’ ‘Giltter and Be Gay’ and the emotional heart wrenching ‘Make Our Garden Grow’ caps off 90 minutes of thrilling theatre. Director Walter Stearns’ imaginative staging adds depth that engages us into the action. Kudos to the stage craft of all at Porchlight Music Theatre for mounting a wonderful production. Don’t miss this rare treat. Highly Recommended Tom Williams Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast Date Reviewed: September 14, 2008 |
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