Candide, that best of all possible musical satires, is getting the best of all possible productions at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Ending with a 2 p.m. matinee today, it's one of those shows fans will be referencing for years.

        Candide is Voltaire's naive young hero (played with fervent innocence by Nicholas Belton), illegitimate but noble of spirit. In the so-brief, peaceful beginning he shares a classroom with serving girl Paquette (Lindsay Pier) who services many family members: his preening cousin Maximillian (delightfully embodied by Josh Dazel, who shows quite a flair for comedy) and Max's agreeably avaricious sister Cunegonde (pitch-perfect Ashley Brown) whom Candide loves madly.

        Their teacher is Dr. Pangloss, who instructs them that if this is the best of all possible worlds, everything that happens is for the best.

        In no time they are off adventuring, separately and together, as Voltaire throws at them the best that their 18th-century world has to offer: war, rape, pillage, religious oppression, torture, capture by pirates, political oppression, attempted murder, shipwreck and volcanic eruption. Did I mention syphilis?

        Along the way, the action is narrated by Voltaire himself. He bears a strong resemblance to Dr. Pangloss and to a baddie who pops up later, the Governor of Montevideo. All are played drolly by Aubrey Berg, who demonstrates quite an affinity for tongue-twisting patter songs.

        It is a joy not only to see true theatrical vision on a Cincinnati stage but to see that vision realized.

        From the show's opening moments it's clear director Nick Mangano plans to puckishly meld 18th-century theatrical conceits, like shadow puppetry and commedia dell'arte, to contemporary styles and techniques.

        Mr. Mangano doesn't have to worry about modernizing Voltaire. What he had to say about human nature and “civilized” society in 1759 is equally true today, and no doubt will still be true 250 years from now.

        The wit, the acumen, the ingenuity, the execution are dazzling. Mr. Mangano pulls gorgeous performances from the student cast (several of whom were mundane in last summer's Hot Summer Nights), and he has plenty of stellar support in fashioning this memorable Candide.

        Roger Grodsky, who isn't above playing out some of Mr. Mangano's comic tricks from the pit, embraces Leonard Bernstein's sumptuous score. (This is the opera house version, significantly expanded from Hal Prince's legendary 1973 Broadway revival and with a kinder ending.)

        Working with a cast of 40 and the Philharmonia Orchestra, Mr. Grodsky delivers the most satisfying choral and orchestral production imaginable.

        For the fanciful, globe-trotting world of Candide, Paul Shortt delivers one of his best-ever set designs, which is saying a lot.

        A draping curtain, filled with etchings that illustrate 18th-century living, semi-circles a bare stage. Trap doors open from below, a full moon comes down from above, some fabric appears, and suddenly Candide and company are on a crocodile-ridden jungle path to El Dorado, on the storm-tossed deck of a ship.

        Most fantastically they're in a fantasy roulette room in Constantinople that's part Bellagio and part MGM musical. Tux-clad chorus boys appear, and gold-lameed Ms. Brown's Cunegonde is doing a great Rita Hayworth.

        Rebecca Senske's costumes are fabulous, down to Cunegonde's little gold booties. One has the sneaking suspicion that the design departments had to enroll about 30 extra students to make this production happen.

       Today's matinee is sold out, but there are always no-shows. Call 556-4183 for cancellation and wait-list information.
       

Pillars of the arts
Kenwood native delves into criminal mind on 'Law & Order'
Skating cartoon gets perfect mark from area florist
DEMALINE: Theater
Director thinks 'Tattered Angel' looks heavenly
Levine will spark Boston Symphony
Drawing from their hearts
Guitars strike chord with carver
KENDRICK: Alive and well
DAUGHERTY: Everyday
Brilliant 'Candide' is CCM at its best
'Harry Potter' and the critics
Ask the critic
Follow three F's to find A-plus Thanksgiving wines
Meatless meals messenger
Get to it