Grand Valley Opera Theatre features 'Candide'

Grand Valley State University’s Opera Theatre production of Candide features the legendary score by Leonard Bernstein.

Part sophisticated opera and part wacky screwball comedy with shades of Monty Python, this funny and irreverent satire is the perfect musical expression of Voltaire’s novel, a tongue-in-cheek send-up of optimistic philosophies.

Performances are February 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and February 8 and 15, at 2 p.m. All performances are in the Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center, on the Allendale Campus. The production, which has a PG-13 rating, runs a little under two hours, with one intermission.

Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 faculty and staff and $6 for all students. Tickets may be purchased at the Louis Armstrong Theatre Box Office, Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m., Tickets are also available through Startickets Plus, with a service fee, at www.starticketsplus.com, or by calling (616) 222-4000, or 800-585-3737.

“One aspect that makes Candide attractive to me is the richness of each element, from the brilliant music to the multi-dimensional humor and satire,” said Grand Valley’s Director of Opera Theatre Dale Schriemer. “It has a very fast pace yet allows the actors to connect on stage at a very personal level that becomes infectious to the audience.”

Schriemer began his professional career with an apprenticeship with the Minnesota Opera Company, where he made his debut as Maximillian in a production of Candide.

“With its literary roots, Candide is a perfect piece for our Opera Theatre, which is a hybrid of opera, theatre, musical theatre and literary elements,” said Schriemer.

The Grand Valley production of Candide is from the1973 Broadway Revival version, with book by Hugh Wheeler, and lyrics by Richard Wilbur, John LaTouche and Stephen Sondheim. Live music will be performed by Grand Valley’s Opera Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Kevin Tutt.

“It is the most fast-paced of the three versions and best reflects Voltaire’s novel,” said Schriemer. “We double cast the two lead roles of Candide and Cunegonda to give more students the opportunity to perform these choice roles.”

The artistic staff continues to be of the highest caliber, including Stage Director Will Graham from Minneapolis, who brings vast experience in both professional and student opera productions.

“In the tradition of previous years, we draw from nationally known talent, which has included Isabel Milenski, who now stages operas at the Juilliard School, and Daniel Boico, who was one of our music directors and now is assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic,” said Schriemer. “It’s interesting that they first met and worked together here and are now working across the street from each other in New York.”

Notes:

Playing the “old lady” role is Adelina Heck, from France, Grand Valley’s first international voice student.

This is Grand Valley’s 11th Opera Theatre Season; all have been directed by Dale Schriemer.

Each year’s production has become more sophisticated and draws from a deeper talent pool of better trained students.

Cast list of main characters:

Candide - double cast, Steffan Copenhaver, George Toles
Cunegonda - double cast, Ashly Kochanski, Kaylin Heydenburg
Pangloss/Voltaire - Matthew Kahl
Old Lady - Adelina Heck
Maximillian - James Holton
Pacquette - Chrissy Amon
Governor, Spanish Don #1 - Sean Copenhaver
Baron - Todd Avery
Baroness - Jacquelyn Davis