“Candide” Reviewed by Amy Menzell MILWAUKEE

** Skylight Music Theatre opens its 64th season with Candide, Leonard Bernstein’s operatic adaptation of Voltaire’s satirical novella. So, to start, we have some layers at play. Voltaire’s tale was first published 1759, Bernstein and company brought the musical version to the stage in 1956, and in 1974 Hugh Wheeler wrote the book that made for The Royal National Theatre Version, which has been widely staged since and is the version currently playing in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. But Skylight clarifies that “This ain’t your grandma’s Candide” and promises “a wild romp” via their marquee.

They make good on these promises by putting the production in the hands of director James Ortiz. Ortiz also acts as scenic director and puppet designer for the show, the latter of which is especially exciting given the acclaim for his recent work on the Broadway revival of Into the Woods. I highly recommend checking out the New York Times’ piece “She’ll Have You at Moo: Milky White and the Power of Puppetry” to learn more about Ortiz’s vision, talent, and creative aesthetic. Certainly, it’s on display at Skylight right now as well, yet the vision is a bit murkier on the stage than it is on the page.

I truly appreciate the insight provided in Ortiz’s program notes and in the Q&A with Skylight’s Artistic Director, Michael Unger, in the audience guide. The thoughtfulness, passion, creativity, and innovative spirit are palpable in these words and conversations. Yet, despite the ingenuity and vast talent of Ortiz, lighting designer Maaz Ahmed, projection designer Taylor Verrett, and every member of this incredible cast, the show itself falls flat.

In isolation, scenes and musical numbers are stunning – both visually and often emotionally. The timing is uneven, however, and thus the production lacks cohesion. Perhaps it’s all just a bit much, which, admittedly, seems like a strange critique of a show about navigating life’s ups and downs while philosophically contemplating the meaning of it all. Of course it’s complicated; that’s the point.

Still, complicated turns a bit convoluted here and it’s all somewhat confusing. If you’re a theater-goer especially interested in the technical aspects of productions, the staging, and adaptations, this show might very well spark some interest. All theater-goers will likely benefit from reading the insightful commentary on the creative vision prior in order to better appreciate the efforts of this production.

★★

Candide plays now through October 29 at Skylight Music Theatre located at 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased online at www.skylightmusictheatre.org.

Saturdays – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (only 7:30 performance on October 14)
Sundays – 2 p.m.
Wednesdays – 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday matinee, October 18 at 2 p.m.)
Thursdays and Fridays – 7:30 p.m.

Special Events

Skylight Insights: In-depth discussions with Artistic Director, Michael Unger and special guests take place one hour before all Wednesday and Sunday performances.

ASL Performance: Candide will be interpreted in American Sign Language on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets for this performance, email tickets@skylightmusictheatre.org or call Skylight Music Theatre’s Box Office at (414) 291-7800. Mention ASL performance for seating in the appropriate section. Supported by UPAF Connect.

For more information visit www.skylightmusictheatre.org, email info@skylightmusictheatre.org or call the Box Office at (414) 291-7800.