Our History
The Robin Hood in the 1930sOnce upon a time, around 75 years ago, an old barn in Ardentown, Delaware was reborn as a theatre. Throughout the Depression and WW II years it was the site of many entertainments and a popular summer stock venue called The Robin Hood Theatre. Its stage was graced by many who would become America's stars of film, television and musical theatre. After a time, the lights dimmed at the old barn and most assumed that it had outlived its days of glory.
Then, in the grand tradition of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, a trio of visionaries decided to put on a show at the old barn. A lot of shows:
In 1969, without much cash, but with many hopes and dreams, John and Lena O'Toole and the late Julian Borris, transformed the old barn into Delaware's first dinner theatre. With the words, “Playgoers, I bid you welcome,” Julian Borris opened Candlelight's first show, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," and ushered in a new era of theatre that continues to the present.
For over 30 years, Candlelight Music Dinner Theatre has presented an average of five major productions annually and nurtured the talents of many, including Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman, film star Bruce Willis, Broadway musical star Diane Fratantoni and many others.
For the original founders, Julian Borris and John and Lena O'Toole, it was a long, successful run which spanned over three decades. In the summer of 2000, the O’Tooles decided it was time to pass on the traditions and legacy of Candlelight to a new generation. New hopes and new dreams have once again come to the old barn.
In the magical world of theatre, all that is old can become new again. Changes have come to Candlelight Music Dinner Theatre and more are yet to come. In 2004 the theatre was bought by Robert Miller and Jody Anderson Miller, 2 professional performers with a combined 40 years of working in professional theatre. The new owners closed the theatre and gave the barn a complete facelift, including a new sound and lighting system, permanent buffet, upgraded bar and bathrooms. They also hired Executive chef John Preece to head the kitchen. On Feb. 6, 2004, they changed the name to The New Candlelight Theatre to reflect all the changes and opened the first show "A Chorus Line". Robert and Jody have prided themselves on Broadway caliber productions, fine dining, and providing a space "for actors, run by actors".
But floating among the high rafters . . . if one listens closely enough . . . are the echoes of many bygone shows and glittering performances . . . and the words . . .“Playgoers, I bid you welcome . . .”