Headed down to the Music Center we wondered, “Why are we even doing this?” The evening’s presentation, Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide”, had never been on our radar. But it was what the LA Opera was offering during our visit. From experience we expected a world class production which, it turned out, is just what we got: brilliant direction, an engaging cast and super stagecraft.

Kelsey Grammer sang but mostly acted, cleverly transitioning between the dual roles of Voltaire and Dr. Pangloss. I’d only ever seen Grammer on TV as Frazier Crane on two series I’d never watched through a complete episode. Acting in a TV series entails working small on tight sets. The challenge of performing on the immense Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage is just the opposite. Grammer nailed it. His speaking voice, unamplified, easily filled the hall. His singing voice, not operatic but strong, suited his only solo number just fine.

              The other leads, soprano Erin Morley as Cunegonde and Jack Swanson as Candide where just what we’ve come to expect at the LA Opera, strong, vibrant and youthfully attractive. Indeed, the entire cast including Broadway star Christine Ebersole, was exceptional.
 

 

               I’m guessing “Candide” was programed in recognition of the Leonard Bernstein centenary. I’d always known Bernstein as a great conductor. I’ve a shelf full of his Beethoven recordings. I quite recall watching him conduct the Young Peoples Concerts from the black and white days of TV.  I’m less familiar with him as a composer. As a pious former altar boy I was thoroughly confused by his “Mass” which I’d watched when it was televised as part of the Kennedy Center inauguration. It wasn’t like any mass I’d ever served. And then, of course, there’s” West Side Story.”

“Candide” is more operetta than opera although there are some stirring operatic parts including some soaring choral work. It’s also a pastiche of musical styles, some blues, some Broadway, a tango and, imagine that, some satirical bel canto soprano parts. I look forward to hearing more Bernstein this centennial. He did write three symphonies, a dance suite, chamber music, choral music and (I gotta hear this) “La Bonne Cuisine: Four Recipes for Voice and Piano”. Meanwhile I’m happy to have attended a fine production of “Candide” and hope the work stays in the repertory.