If there is one Broadway song that personifies vivacity, vocal virtuosity, and exuberance, it is surely this one. And, indeed, some may recognize the melody of the over-the-top song for coloratura soprano (think of the young Barbara Cook or Madeline Kahn), “Glitter and Be Gay,” from its use as a theme for the Dick Cavett television show. Candide was originally conceived by Broadway legend, Lillian Hellman, who chose Bernstein for the music. He worked with a gaggle of lyricists, including James Agee, Dorothy Parker, and others, before they arrived at the final version. The show’s première on Broadway was in 1956, and it was a disaster, more or less, closing after only seventy-three performances. Over the years, it underwent numerous major revisions to save it, some more successful than others. But, now it is secure in its position as an honored part of Broadway’s repertoire.
Candid’s witty, satirical, and pointed humor is based upon the 1759 novella by the Enlightenment philosopher and satirist, Voltaire. In that work, Voltaire skewers just about every aspect of contemporary society, sparing not the church, the nobility, academe, and the values and beliefs of just about every social class. In the show, Cunégonde is the cousin of Candide, and occasionally, his lover—along with her other relationship interests. She is truly a picaresque character in her escapades. In “Glitter and Be Gay” Cunégonde begins by ruing her circumstances—a Parisian courtesan, her downfall, her mistakes in lifestyle choices—everything. But, then—she perks up, and determines to “show my noble stuff,” and to overcome it all and be “bright and cheerful.” This she manifestly does in a showpiece that has few equals in musical élan and vocal acrobatics. All to one “Ha, ha” after another.
–Wm. E. Runyan
© 2025 William E. Runyan