Leonard Bernstein's Candide In Concert

The latest Blu-ray release from the Shout! Factory is the 2005 concert version of "Leonard Bernstein's Candide". This performance was recorded with the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Marin Alsop, and features a talented cast from across the worlds of opera and musical theater.

A musical operetta from the classic novella by Voltaire, "Candide" has sported a slew of lyricists (including John LaTouche, Richard Wilbur and Stephen Sondheim) since its genesis in 1956, when composer Bernstein brought his expertise to Lillian Hellman's libretto. But in 1974, Hugh Wheeler significantly revised the story of a young man's search for meaning in life, and this is primarily the version that is seen today by audiences. At first, the highly under-appreciated show took itself too seriously. In its current form, the humor has been heightened, and this version, under the skillful direction of Lonny Price, understands exactly what it is feeding to the audience at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall. From Sir Thomas Allen's role as both Narrator and the all-knowing Dr. Pangloss, to Kristen Chenoweth and Patti Lupone as Cunegonde and the Old Lady (with one buttock), to Paul Groves (complete in lederhosen) in the title role, this production is played for its ridiculousness, which complements Bernstein's wonderful score in its dichotomy.

Highlights include the "Overture," a now-standard piece of orchestral literature; Chenoweth's version of "Glitter and Be Gay," the deceptively challenging soprano solo made simple by the singer; "I'm So Easily Assimilated," giving LuPone her vocal feature as the Old Lady flexes both her interpretive and vocal muscles, and "Make Your Garden Grow," the passionate finale led by Groves, which provides us with a message for the ages: "we're neither pure, nor wise nor good, we'll do the best we know; we'll build our house and chop our wood, and make our garden grow."

The ensemble is made up of young performers from Westminster Choir College and the Juilliard School, and they get into the act both vocally and physically, getting to hold up cue signs for the audience to understand the sometimes vague locations.

The supporting cast includes Jeff Blumenkranz ("Murder for Two"), Janine LaManna ("Seussical") and Stanford Olsen (the N.Y. Phil's "Sweeney Todd"). No booklet or extras are included with this release, so if you own "Leonard Bernstein's Candide" in another format, there isn't a reason for this new expense. But if you haven't enjoyed this Great Performance before, this is a recommended introduction to the "best of all possible worlds."

"Leonard Bernstein's Candide"
Blu-ray format
$24.98
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