Crimson Creek presents Candide Aug. 8-11 Crimson Creek's final production of 2007 features a legendary score by Leonard Bernstein. “Candide” is perhaps the most often revived of the classic cult musicals. Part sophisticated operetta, part wacky screwball comedy with shades of Monty Python, this funny, irreverent satire is the perfect musical expression of Voltaire’s tongue-in-cheek send-up of optimistic philosophies. “The Crimson Creek Players were created to provide professional opportunities to regional performers and to highlight challenging and exciting musical theatre,” said Benjamin Klipfel, the production’s producer. “Candide, with it’s challenging score and fantastic music, fits directly into our mission.” In two lightning-paced acts, the hapless bastard cousin Candide is expelled from home, drafted into the Bulgarian army, brought before the Spanish Inquisition, swindled out of a fortune, shipwrecked on a desert isle, and separated time and again from his true love Cunegonde, who bears with remarkable dignity a variety of carnal besmirchments by almost everybody. Through it all, Candide remembers the lesson of his dear master Dr. Pangloss: that “everything is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.” “Candide’s humor is found in the satire of optimism,” said Job Christenson, director. “Though it takes place over a century ago, the show’s take on topics such as religion and politics are as relevant today as when the show was written.” With its wicked sense of humor and challenging musical score, “Candide” is home to the famous aria "Glitter and be Gay." The tune of the up-tempo section is well-known from its prominence in the show's overture as well as from its use for years as the theme music of Dick Cavett's talk show. This aria poses considerable difficulties. In sheer vocal/technical terms, it is among the most fiendishly challenging coloratura soprano arias. "Candide" is most known for its colorful and varied score, and is considered by many the wittiest – indeed, funniest – operetta (whose plot encompasses rape, murder, executions, religious persecution and bodily mutilation) ever penned. The show runs Wednesday through Saturday, Aug. 8-11, at Burtness Theatre on the UND campus (parking will be marked with signs). A special closing night performance and backstage with the arts is Aug. 11. Backstage begins at 6:30 p.m., production begins at 7:30.p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors/students. Tickets can be purchased for all performances from the Chester Fritz Box Office at 777-4090, or at the door (subject to availability). For more information and cast list, visit http://www.culturepulse.org/index.php?app=eventDetail&id=805. -- Ben Klipfel, Crimson Creek Players.