House

“All of this is for the very best end.”

Remember, Nellie Forbush is a stone cold racist who ruins the lives of everyone she touches.

I think Candide is about my favorite Opera ever.

It has all the essential elements, naive ingenue led into misbehavior by ill counsel and a rebellious nature as her life spirals from bad to dead of a horrible wasting disease that enhances her radiant beauty and in no way diminishes her Tour de Force Aria as she gasps her last breath.

Oh, did I mention it’s entirely sarcastic and cynical?

I’d summarize but if you haven’t internalized the Voltaire you’ll find yourself at a Dreyfus disadvantage to those who have, just like being unfamiliar with Aesop.

Bernstein’s most complete score from the Scottish Opera via BBC in 1988.