Opera Theater presents Leonard Bernstein's 'Candide'

By T.C. Sprencel
University News Service
March 5, 2010

Texas State University-San Marcos’ Opera Theater will perform three showings of Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide,” March 26-27 at 7:30 p.m. and March 28 at 2 p.m., at Evans Auditorium on campus.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors, and will be available at the door and in advance through Costumed Occasions and the music department at Texas State.

Based on Voltaire’s classic novel, the opera tells the story of a young man whose optimistic upbringing is challenged by a series of unfortunate events. Part comedy, part sophisticated operetta, “Candide” is set to a score by legendary American composer Bernstein.

The recently established Texas State Opera Theater, which puts on one show per semester, teaches students the importance of character development and trains them to master the acting technique. Director of Opera Studies Samuel Mungo said he believes that the traditional “stand and sing” opera is no longer the desired format.

“At Texas State we strive to create the true ‘singing actor’ — one who can use the voice and music, as well as character and technique, to build a believable operatic character,” Mungo said.

For more information, please contact Diane House at (817) 487-3791, or via email at dg1290@txstate.edu.