Kristin Chenoweth to Star in 'Candide' with English National Opera

WhatsOnStage.com reports Tony Award-winning Broadway actress, Kristin Chenoweth, will make her "English National Opera debut in a new co-production, with Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris and La Scala in Milan, of Leonard Bernstein's Candide. Chenoweth will play the part of Cunegonde in the production which opens at the London Coliseum for a limited season of 13 performances from June 23."

Candide, based on Voltaire's novel, features music by Leonard Bernstein and a book adapted by Hugh Wheeler (then again adapted by Ian Burton and Robert Carsden).  Lyrics are by Richard Wilbur with additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Lillian Hellman, John Latouche and Dorothy Parker.

"Candide tells the story of a young man, Candide, who is determined to follow his instructor's creed of mindless optimism. Even after being banished from his homeland, captured by Bulgarians, beaten by the Spanish Inquisition, robbed of everything he owns, and torn repeatedly from the woman he loves, Candide still clings to the philosophy that everything is for the best in this, 'the best of all possible worlds.' He and his friends eventually find themselves seeking guidance from the Wisest Man in the World - a ghost from their past who has a surprising revelation for them!" explains the article.

Kristin Chenoweth previously starred in the role of Cunegonde in the New York Philharmonic production of Candide. Her notable Broadway appearances include originating the role of Glinda in Wicked, her Tony Award-winning role of Sally in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and her recent turn in The Apple Tree. Other credits include The Fantasticks, Steel Pier and A New Brain. Chenoweth has recorded two solo albums. She makes her Metropolitan Opera debut in March 2010 as Samira in John Corigliano's The Ghost of Versailles.  She currently stars in the ABC original series "Pushing Daisies."

Toby Spence will star opposite Chenoweth at the ENO as Candide. Further casting will be announced later. Rob Ashford will choreograph, recently acclaimed for his direction of Parade at the Donmar Warehouse. Sets are by Michael Levine with costumes by Buki Shiff and lighting by Carsen and Peter Van Praet. Rumon Gamba will conduct with the ENO.

Kristin Chenoweth: photo by Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.

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