Comments on The Arden Insider: What's Your Favorite Story?

I grew up revelling in the music of the original c...

2008-09-25T10:49:00.000-04:00

I grew up revelling in the music of the original cast album, so I was excited to see a production when the Prince did it several years ago. Alas, it was terribly bel canto, but with lovely sets and props. This production on 9/24was much better - excellent ensemble voices, quick pacing, brilliant voices and acting by Dibble, Coon, Greer and Martello. Yes, it was TOO looong. Yes, it was sometimes frustrating not to understand lyrics when faces were turned away. but the staging, chalkwork adn choreography kept it interesting despite boring protions of narrative and a few not-great musical numbers. Would definitely recommend!

Saw Candide last night and it was a wonderful expe...

2008-09-24T14:12:00.000-04:00

Saw Candide last night and it was a wonderful experience. The voices and energy of the actors were memorable and the staging unique. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, although the play is a bit long.

I saw your production of Candide on 9/16. A great ...

2008-09-18T03:42:00.000-04:00

I saw your production of Candide on 9/16. A great show, clever staging, wonderful cast. I read through the program but saw no mention of the anti-McCarthy theme which was one of the main reasons it was written, as a protest of the communist witch hunt happening at the time. Just as Voltaire was protesting when he wrote his book. Certainly this knowledge added a greater understanding of the whole plot for me. Perhaps an insert could be made to put into the program of this and other facts of its genesis, since the history of this musical is not without its own drama.

There ought to be a Jeffrey Coon fan club. What a...

2008-09-16T14:36:00.000-04:00

There ought to be a Jeffrey Coon fan club. What a voice!
The cast of Candide could be rearranged for a gorgeous production of Kiss of the Spider Woman -- the Coon/Dibben/Geer trio plus Ms Martello, et voila. And more Sondheim please -- Saturday Night? And MORE shows from the Baby Case composer too. What a masterpiece that was. THANKS.

We went to the preview Saturday 9/13 and because t...

2008-09-15T20:12:00.000-04:00

We went to the preview Saturday 9/13 and because the tickets were discounted, we took two friends. It was like a circus; very engaging, very entertaining, casting was great, sets, lighting, costumes. Spectacular choreography. Some truly wonderful singers. Some problems understanding lyrics--maybe because of theater-in-the round. Heard and saw touches of West Side Story in the multi-culturalism and some song ideas.

When is the Arden going to take this cast and prod...

2008-09-15T17:18:00.000-04:00

When is the Arden going to take this cast and production of CANDIDE to Broadway? It is that good!

This cast has the most incredible voices. The fin...

2008-09-12T10:29:00.000-04:00

This cast has the most incredible voices. The final number is completely stunning. I also think the use of chalk is brilliant! Thank you for your top-notch productions, they are a must see.

I saw the preview of Candide last night, and it wa...

2008-09-11T16:56:00.000-04:00

I saw the preview of Candide last night, and it was great! Funny, great costuming, great minimalist set, wonderful singing... very enjoyable from start to finish. Highly recommended, except that I couldn't stretch out my feet in the first row because there was so much coming & going of actors!

I loved FROG AND TOAD and I can't wait for the rev...

2008-09-11T12:32:00.000-04:00

I loved FROG AND TOAD and I can't wait for the revival in the spring!!