Backstage at Candide

Leonard Bernstein's Candide, which The New York Post hailed as "beautifully conducted by the versatile George Manahan," has returned to the New York State Theater for a limited engagement through April 20th.  This week, the City Opera blog staff went backstage before the show to take pictures and get the inside scoop.  Just how does the cast of this fast-moving production prepare themselves for the stage?  Please see below and return back for highlights.  

 

 

To get into character as The Old Lady in Candide, Judith Blazer arrives at City Opera's hair and makeup department one hour prior to curtain.  As a member of the hair & makeup department applies color to her eyebrows, other members of the cast wander in for microphones and wigs, and Judith says hello with her eyes shut.  She's soon ordered by makeup artist Amy Porter not to move too much or her eyebrows may go awry.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once out of makeup, Judith makes her way to the hair department, where hairstylist Suzy Alvarez strings a microphone through the back of her wig and secures it with pins.  Judith jokes that the wig looks awfully similar to Tony award winner Bernadette Peters' hair.  "We stole her hair specifically for the show," Judith jokes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Richard Kind comes back for a last minute touch-up, Suzy Alvarez briefly leaves Judith to  secure Richard's microphone.  Meanwhile, Judith checks the overall effect in the mirror and waits patiently.  "My favorite little detail is the heart on my cheek," she says, laughing.  "The Old Lady, she's had many loves... if you can call it that." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When her makeup and hair is complete, Judith strikes a pose for the camera as The Old Lady.  She's not in costume yet, but she mentions that she already feels as if she's in character.  "I really don't do a lot to get ready," she says.  "I've always told my students to warm up and yet I never do... never have.  Maybe someday, I'll start."  As she wanders out into the hallway, she spies Daniel Reichard putting on his costume and adjusting his hat.  "For me to get ready, all I have to do is look at Daniel Reichard's chest and I'm good to go," she jokes.  "But I don't really worry about my character -- after the application of my makeup, wig, and costume, I am The Old Lady."