Bernstein wrote some of the most unique American music ever produced. His desire to bridge the gap between standard opera and American Broadway was manifested in Candide; a story that I personally would have hated had it not been for Bernstein's music. Candide in its previous forms was a disaster; the lyrics were all wrong, the casting was odd, it just didn't pop. In this culmination however, it seemed as if God himself smiled on the voices of this talented cast. Jerry Hadley possesses the uncanny talent to understand the medium between the opera of Candide and its Broadway roots. June Anderson is the greatest thing ever. Her voice is from heaven itself. In 'Glitter and Be Gay' you find that she not only vocally understands the role of Cunegonde, but she defines it. You cannot imagine someone's coloratura could be so strong and their high notes so crystal clear. Adolph Green should not have been in this cast. He's plainly too old for the vocal demands. Nicolai Gedda, Christa Ludwig, Kurt Ollman; all of their voices are wonderful and perfect for their roles! If you like opera and Bernstein, you will find the best of all possible worlds in this! If 'Make Our Garden Grow' doesn't bring you to tears, CHECK YOUR PULSE!
