New York City Opera Candide Adds Four Performances

Jay Armstrong Johnson, Linda Lavin, and more make up the cast, directed by Hal Prince.

Jay Armstrong Johnson will star in the New York City Opera production of Candide this January.
Jay Armstrong Johnson will star in the New York City Opera production of Candide this January.
(© David Gordon)

The upcoming New York City Opera production of Candide, directed by Hal Prince, has added four performances to its run this January at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall. Previously slated for January 6-12, 2017, additional performances will now be offered on January 13, 14, and 15.

Jay Armstrong Johnson (On the Town) will lead the cast of Leonard Bernstein's comic operetta in the title role. He will be joined by Tony winner Linda Lavin (Our Mother's Brief Affair) as the Old Lady; soprano Meghan Picerno as Cunegonde; Tony nominee Gregg Edelman (Wonderful Town) as Voltaire, Pangloss, and other roles; Keith Phares as Maximilian; Jessica Tyler Wright as Paquette; and guest stars Chip Zien and Brooks Ashmanskas.

The story follows the naive Candide as he strives to maintain his optimism while trying to make sense of a chaotic and ruthless world. Prince's version of Candide, choreographed by Patricia Birch, premiered at the Broadway Theatre in 1974 and ran 740 performances. It was revived in 1997 for 104 performances at the Gershwin Theatre. Inspired by the novel by Voltaire, the production features music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Richard Wilbur, additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, John La Touche, and Leonard Bernstein, and a book adapted by Hugh Wheeler.

The creative team includes scenic designer Clarke Dunham, costume designer Judith Dolan, lighting designer Ken Billington, and sound designer Abe Jacob.

For tickets and more information, click here.