5th Avenue executive producer and artistic director David Armstrong directs the operetta that is presented as part of the citywide "Seattle Celebrates Bernstein" festival. Candide runs through June 13. Bahorek (Big River, Spelling Bee) appears in the title role, with Griffith (South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza) as Cunegonde and Seattle veteran actor Pichette as Dr. Pangloss and Voltaire.

Also featured in the cast are Anne Allgood (The Old Woman), Allen Fitzpatrick (Martin), Brandon O’Neill (Cacambo), Mike McGowan (Maximilian), Timothy McCuen Piggee (King of El Dorado) and Billie Wildrick (Paquette).

Candide ensemble members include Greg McCormick Allen, Jeffrey Alewine, Jadd Davis, Mary Jo DuGaw, Anne Eisendrath, Cayman Ilika, Eric Polani Jensen, Corinna Lapid Munter, Karen Skrinde, and Dane Stokinger. Interns are Dana Blasingame, Emily Cawley, Sean Glynn, Arwen Morgan, Sage Michael Price and Lauren Smith.

Based on the Voltaire novel, the operetta has a score by Bernstein, a book by Hugh Wheeler and lyrics by Richard Wilbur with additional lyrics by Bernstein, John Latouche, Dorothy Parker, Lillian Hellman and Stephen Sondheim.

Tickets are available by phoning (206) 625-1900 or by visiting 5thAvenue.