The musical inspired by Voltaire's satiric novel about blind optimism features Geoff Packard (Broadway's Rock of Ages, The Phantom of the Opera) in the title role of Candide; Lauren Molina (of Broadway's Rock of Ages and the recent Sweeney Todd) as his love, Cunegonde; Chicago's Larry Yando as Pangloss, Candide's tutor; Hollis Resnick (the Chicago star who toured as Mrs. Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie and had recent regional success in Grey Gardens) as the Old Lady; Chicago's Jonathan Weir as the Governor; Erik Lochtefeld (Metapmorphoses) as Maximillian; Margo Seibert as Paquette; Jesse Perez as Cacambo; and Tom Aulino as Martin. Ensemble members include Spencer Curnutt, Rebecca Finnegan, Govind Kumar, Rob Lindley, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Emma Rosenthal, Thomas Adrian Simpson, Joey Stone, Tempe Thomas and Joseph Tokarz.
Zimmerman — who won the Best Direction Tony Award for her nationally-seen Metamorphoses — is said to be dipping into the source novel to further flavor the production. The musical that blurs the line between musical comedy and comic opera includes such songs as "Glitter and Be Gay," "Life Is Happiness Indeed," "Make Our Garden Grow," "The Best of All Possible Worlds" and many more, to say nothing of its famous overture.
Rehearsals began Aug. 10. Performances will play Sept.17–Oct. 24, in the Goodman's Albert Theatre.
Here is a look at the cast in rehearsal:
For more information, call (312) 443-3800 or visit ExploreTheGoodman.org.
