Scarlett Strallen, Fra Fee & More to Star in Candide at London's Menier Chocolate Factory

Candide, the previously announced Christmas musical at London's Menier Chocolate Factory, will star Fra Fee (Les Miserables), Scarlett Strallen (Mary Poppins), David Thaxton (Passion), Cassidy Janson (Tick Tick Boom) and Ben Lewis (Love Never Dies). Directed by Matthew White and choreographed by Adam Cooper, Candide will begin performances November 22 and will play a limited engagement through February 22, 2014. Opening night is scheduled for December 2.

The cast of Candide will feature Fee as Candide, Strallen as Cunegonde, Thanxton as Maximilian, Janson as paquette and Lewis as the Govenor and Vanderdendur. The musical's ensemble will also include Carly Anderson, Jeremy Batt, Christopher Jacobsen, Frankie Jenna, Rachel Spurrell, Helen Walsh and Matt Wilman.

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.