Candlelight Theatre celebrates 57 seasons of live performances

Dan Healy
| Guest columist

For more than five decades, The Candlelight Theatre has operated out of a historic barn in North Wilmington, evolving into one of Delaware’s longstanding venues for live performance.

Originally built for farm use in the late 1800s, it was renovated into the Robin Hood Theatre in 1931 and opened as a summer playhouse the following year. During that time, many famous film and stage actors trod the boards at 2208 Millers Road, including Barbara Bel Geddes, Will Geer, Jack Klugman, Tony Perkins and Barbara Rush. Arthur Miller directed one of his plays within its walls in 1953.

In 1969, John and Lena O’Toole and Julian and Annabelle Borris reopened the barn as Candlelight Music Dinner Theatre, the first of its kind in Delaware, serving a delicious meal alongside a production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” Over the years, the theater evolved through changes in leadership and structure, eventually becoming a nonprofit organization. In 2014, the name was officially changed to The Candlelight Theatre.

Candlelight’s many alumni include film star Bruce Willis, Broadway performer Diane Fratantoni, Tony Award nominee John Dossett, and Tony Award winner Susan Stroman, who famously choreographed the original Broadway production of “The Producers” – the same show currently on stage at Candlelight through Feb. 22. This legacy has become a key part of Candlelight’s mission: to nurture the talents of the many artists who walk through the doors.

Today, Candlelight focuses on delivering professional entertainment and a quality dining experience. The actors and production staff come from Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and even as far as New York to work at the only dinner theatre in Delaware.

Over the years, the building has seen countless improvements since its days as a barn. The theatre has implemented a bigger and stronger stage, larger and improved sound systems, commercial kitchen upgrades, a recent replacement of the main floor, reconstruction of our emergency exit stairways, remodeling to modernized restrooms, and much more.

Seasons typically consist of six shows – five musicals and one play – that each run for six weeks. Each year we feature family-friendly programming, a holiday production, and performances designed to appeal to longtime patrons as well as first-time theatergoers. The remainder of the 2026 season includes Young Frankenstein (also choreographed and directed by Susan Stroman), “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “Annie,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and the holiday classic “Scrooge! The Musical.”

In addition to its main-stage productions, Candlelight hosts monthly Quizzo trivia nights and comedy shows featuring some of the best comedians in the business.

Candlelight has continued because of the support of its community — audiences, artists, and patrons who believe in keeping live theatre thriving in Delaware and accessible for generations.

Each year, Candlelight participates in Do More 24 Delaware, the statewide 24-hour giving event that brings together hundreds of nonprofits and thousands of donors in support of causes across the state. During the event, held March 5 to 6, contributions to Candlelight are amplified through matching gifts and prizes, helping sustain the productions on stage, the artists who bring them to life, and the historic space that makes it all possible.

As Candlelight moves through its 57th season, we remain grateful to everyone who helps keep the stage lit, the doors open, and this longtime gathering place filled with music, laughter, and live performance. We hope you will join us soon for an evening of dining and entertainment.

Dan Healy is operations manager of The Candlelight Theatre.

Open Call

Open Call is hosted by regional arts and cultural groups on Sundays. If you know a group that would like to be included, please email Tammy Paolino at [email protected] for details.

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