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Candide's Crazy Life!

  • 2 hours ago
  • 2 min read
Leonard Bernstein's Candide.
Leonard Bernstein's Candide.

Leonard Bernstein’s Candide based on Voltaire’s satirical novel performed by the Student Society Opera Warwick at Warwick Arts Centre from 12 to 13 February 2026. Directed by Millie Jeffries and conducted by Michał Matusz.

Review by Ann Cee

 

Open Opera did a terrific job last night of bringing the chaos and confusion of Candide's crazy life to the Warwickshire stage.  With precious few props but plenty of creativity and panache, a huge cast took us through the many misfortunes that befell poor Candide (Matthew Osbiston) and his nearest and dearest.  

 

Bernstein's opera is a close re-telling of Voltaire's original, satirical novel "Candide" and follows the endless misadventures of an innocent young man as he flees through the old and new worlds in a time of political and religious tyranny and hypocrisy.  Candide's eternal love for the wily Cunegonde (Caitlin Palomaki) and trusting confidence in the philosophical ramblings of his teacher, Pangloss (Nik Mikkelsen) drive this upbeat tale in which Candide maintains his enduring optimism in what can only be described as "the best of all possible worlds". 

 

The crafty maid, Paquette (Amy Atwell) and the sultry Old Lady (Elsie Waddington) bring themes of female reality and resilience to the fore without Candide ever really noticing the truth of their lived experiences.  Villains abound as the story unfolds and Candide just keeps bouncing back, full of optimism and a tender heart.

 

Voltaire (played here by Rosemary Wake) was a master of the entertaining lampoon and Open Opera can be proud of a lively, bright and beautifully sung production.  Of particular note were the voices of Palomaki, Waddington and Atwell who demonstrated stunning ranges and were especially mesmerising as they sang together.  The orchestra (conducted by Michal Matusz) did a great job of thrusting the action ever onward, with the percussion section really powering through and creating excitement and delight.

 

Open Opera is the University of Warwick's student opera society.

 

 

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