"Candide" War, Pestilence, Rape. All is for the best . . .

Candide is a fiercely funny comic operetta by Leonard Bernstein, based on the novella of the same name by Voltaire. Candide is most famous for its colourful and varied score, and is considered by many the wittiest – indeed, funniest –operetta (whose plot encompasses rape, murder, executions, religious persecution and bodily mutilation) ever penned. Part sophisticated operetta, part wacky screwball comedy with shades of Monty Python, this funny, irreverent satire is the perfect musical expression of Voltaire’s tongue-in-cheek send-up of optimistic philosophies. With its wicked sense of humour and challenging musical score, “Candide” is equally at home in theatres or opera houses. Every role, from large to small, is a gem, and the melodic energetic score is one to savour. Audition and casting notes: • All Singers must prepare something from either Broadway or Operetta. (no grand opera or pop-songs) • Please bring either a C.D. accompaniment, mp3 player or your own accompanist. There will be no supplied accompanist. • All principal roles are singing roles. • There are minimal dance requirements. Principal roles: • VOLTAIRE/ PANGLOSS: He must also be able to sing, but need not have a great voice, just a good one. Age: 30-60 Vocal Range: High Baritone, F2-G4. • CANDIDE: Needs good acting and comedic skills with a fine but not necessarily operatic tenor voice. Age: 18-30 Vocal Range: A2-E4 • CUNEGONDE: She must have genuine comedic skills and a very good coloratura soprano voice. Age: 18-30 Vocal Range: A3-E flat 6. All singers interested in the role of Cunegonde must display a sustained High Eb at the audition. Do not prepare ‘Glitter and Be Gay’. • MAXIMILIAN: Not a difficult singing role. Age: 18-30. Vocal Range: Baritone. A flat 2 – G4. • PAQUETTE: Age: 18-30 Vocal Range: Soprano A3 – A5 • THE OLD WOMAN: Age: 50-70 Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano. G3-A5 There are 23 minor roles that will come from the ensemble. The ensemble will number 20-30, therefore most ensemble members will have the opportunity to play minor or cameo roles. Auditions: Saturday 5/2 and Sunday 6/2 of 2010. Call backs on Monday 7/2.