Loyola Opera Presents CANDIDE, Now thru 1/20

The Loyola Opera Theatre brings the legacy and genius of American composer Leonard Bernstein to life with its new production of the fast-paced comic operetta, "Candide," tonight, Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m.

Both performances take place in Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, located in the Communications/Music Complex on Loyola's main campus. A complimentary wine and cheese reception sponsored by the Loyola Alumni Association will precede Friday's performance at 6:30 p.m. For those who cannot attend the opera in person, they can watch it live online.

"Candide" opened on Broadway as a musical in 1956, and the opera house adaptation debuted at the New York City Opera in 1982. Based on Voltaire's satiric novel of the same name, the story follows the exiled-yet relentlessly optimistic-Candide throughout the Old World and the New. Blindly following the advice of his tutor Dr. Pangloss, he careens through a series of wild adventures and astonishing coincidences to return home to his beloved Cunegonde, enlightened by a new, more realistic philosophy of life.

The Loyola Symphony Orchestra performs the score, which features an inspired Bernstein blend of Broadway and operatic styles. With tuba, harp and an array of exotic percussion instruments, this production touts the largest orchestra ever used in a Loyola opera. The student singers all tackle multiple roles, switching nationalities as the title character travels the world.

Bill Fabris returns as stage director/choreographer, and Carol Rausch once again assumes the role of music director/conductor.

Tickets are $40 for preferred seating, $25 for reserved seating, and $15 for Loyola students, faculty and staff. For tickets and information, visit montage.loyno.edu or call 504-865-2074. Free parking is available in the West Road Garage located on West Road and accessible from St. Charles Avenue.