The Articles

Brief Synopsis Detailed Synopsis Notes on the Synopsis The Characters Leonard Bernstein The Librettist and Lyricists		The Songs Production History Voltaire Notes on Voltaire Candide or Optimism Historical Background and Timeline
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The Cast
(in order of appearance)

Note: Over forty characters are named in the libretto but most have only a line or two and are double cast. (One actor, with costume changes, plays two or more of them.) The eight main characters are listed first. Minor ones are shown by the scene in which they appear.

Main Characters: Narration by: Voltaire* and other characters Dr. Pangloss*, Philosopher and tutor of Candide Maximilian, Son of the Baron Thunder-ten-tronckh Cunegonde, Daughter of the Baron Candide, the hero, engaged to Cunegonde Paquette, a serving maid Old Lady, Daughter of the Princess of Palestrina and Pope Urban X Cacambo* and Martin*. companions to Candide *These four characters are frequently played by the same person

ACT I Westphalia: Baron, Baroness, Huntsman, Paquette, 2 Officers, James the Anabaptist

Travel to Lisbon and Lisbon: James, Sailor, Man, Woman, 2 Informers, Bear Keeper, Cosmetic Merchant, Doctor, Junkman, Alchemist, Lawyer, Grand Inquisitor, Inquisitors

Paris: Don Issachar, Archbishop of Paris,

Cadiz: Waiter and 2 Waitresses, Captain

ACT II Buenos Aires, Eldorado and Surinam: Aide, Governor of Buenos Aires, Slave Driver, Father Bernard, First Jesuit, 2 Mump Indians, Vanderdendur

Travel to Venice and Venice: Sailor, Ferone, Croupier, Ragotski, Crook

The chorus portrays the inhabitants of each of the locales visited.