Book adapted from Voltaire by Hugh Wheeler
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Richard Wilbur with additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and John La Touche
Directed by Professor Jeff Hendry

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the renowned American Composer Leonard Bernstein, the Performing Arts Department and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra will partner to present the musical Candide. The satirical novella was written by Voltaire, a philosopher of the Age of Enlightenment, and tells a comic tale of a young man’s journey from idealism to wisdom. Come join us for “the best of all possible worlds.” This special production featuring an RSO pit orchestra is part of the “Leonard Bernstein at 100” festival. Mr. Bernstein had a special connection to Rockford University, speaking at its commencement ceremony in 1966. His beloved piano teacher and long-time secretary, Helen Coates, was a native of Rockford and 1916 graduate from then Rockford College.

The festival is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and Illinois Arts Council Agency.