Glitter and Be Gay! Candide to Open This Fall at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory

Candide will bring a taste of the New World to London’s Menier Chocolate Factory beginning November 22. Directed by Matthew White and choreographed by Adam Cooper, the production is slated to play a limited engagement through February 22, 2014. Candide features music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Richard Wilbur, a book adapted from Voltaire by Hugh Wheeler and additional lyrics by Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, John Latouche, Lillian Hellman and Dorothy Parker. No casting has been announced.

The operetta tells the story of Candide’s journey of discovery, from Westphalia to the far reaches of the New World. Through anguish, happiness, loss and love, Candide is a whirlwind adventure that seeks to prove “life is happiness indeed.” The show features classic songs “Glitter and Be Gay” and “Make Our Garden Grow.” Candide originally opened on Broadway in December 1956, starring Robert Rounseville as Candide and Barbara Cook as Cunegonde. It was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

In addition to White and Cooper, the Candide creative team features set and costume designer Paul Farnsworth, lighting designer Paul Anderson, sound designer Gareth Owen, musical director Seann Alderking and orchestrator Jason Carr.