The Douglas Morrisson Theatre's "Candide" opens tonight, 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7 and runs through Nov. 30

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre's production of the musical operetta "Candide" opens tonight at 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7 and runs through Nov. 30.

Featuring a musical score by Leonard Bernstein and based upon the 1759 novel, "Candide, or Optimism," by Voltaire, the story centers around the loves and lives of Candide (played by Andy Ramirez). 

Directed by Michael Mohammed, with musical and vocal direction by David Möschler, the ensemble cast also includes Angela Jarosz as Cunegonde, Geoffrey Colton as Pangloss, Tina Marzell as the Old Woman, Anna Joham as Paquette, Johnny Villar as Maximilian and Tom Reilly as Voltaire.

Special Events: A pre-show talk 7:10 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14 and post-play discussion following the Saturday matinee, Saturday, Nov. 22.

(L-R) Candide (Andy Ramirez) and Cunegonde (Angela Jarosz). Photo by Terry Sullivan.

(L-R) Pangloss (Geoffrey Colton) teaches Cunegonde (Angela Jarosz) and Candide (Andy Ramirez) about "the best of all possible worlds." Photo by Terry Sullivan.

Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third Street, Hayward, next to the Japanese Gardens. Tickets: $32 opening night and $29 for the remainder. Senior, student, TBA, KQED and group (10 or more) discounts available. To reach the box office: Open 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, (510) 881-6777. www.dmtonline.org.