Our first visit to the dinner theatre created a beginning of what we both has decided, the the Candlelight Dinner theater is out local go to place for entertainment. Just saw Mel Brooks "the Producers". First was the dinner. It has been a long time that we were somewhere that our server was also in the play and seemed so genuinely glad we were there. Food was surprisingly good. Served hot and well cooked for all of the offerings. Service was fun every time someone came to the table. Oh by the way there is an excellent bar with a bar tender that certainly has earned his stripes. Now the Show. This has always been one of my favorites, a go to for on demand. Being in this theatre, watching these talented actors made the time go by so fast we wanted more. I found myself leaning in to the dancing and singing and it was spectacular. The sets, the props, the costumes, the lighting, the sound, and being able to just plain enjoy made the night. They have special one night performances as well. These show are such a fantastic value. By the way seating is one of the things I really liked. We were seated with 4 other people that we left as our new friends. read more

First visit here, and it's very unique. The performers are your waiters. They did a great job both as waiters and as performers. The old converted barn holds about 150 diners. You can look up the menu on their website before you come. Started off with a salad and shrimp cocktail. Then the main meal has several entrees. You can get all of them or tell your waiter what you don't want on your plate if you know you dont like something or to keep it lighter. Follow that with a dessert or 2, coffee and tea. All included. During intermission, they did a 50/50 raffle. The show was good, and the performers all had such good vocals. It must be popular. They told us most upcoming shows are sold out. I would return. read more

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Have been coming for two years with my older relatives, and the theater is very nice! The staff is friendly and accommodating. Mamma Mia has been my favorite show they've did so far. read more

The Candlelight Theatre - chicken fajita, salmon, Broccoli And Carrots - Performing Arts Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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Cute local spot for theatre shows! Always a welcoming atmosphere and solid performances!

The salad was so fresh, the food was OK. But the servers and the performance were fantastic! We went to see "Into The Woods" it was so good. We drove 3 hours and it was definitely worth it. I will definitely be back! read more

The show (Holiday Inn) hasn't even started and I am already disappointed and dissatisfied by this establishment. My table was one of the last to be served dinner and when we asked for a second helping, we were told that we could and that it would be out soon. When we asked about our food, we were told that they ran out. We had also requested more rolls when we ordered dinner (since we did not have enough for everyone in our party to have one each) and they were never delivered to our table. When we asked later on, we were told that "If there were any extras they probably were thrown out by now." The website says that "Nobody goes hungry at The Candelight Theatre!" and "And you are more than welcome to have seconds!" This is false advertising. Tickets to the theater are not cheap​, so I expected more from this establishment. Unfortunately I will not be returning to the Candlelight Theatre. read more

Went a few weeks ago and had an amazing time. As good of a production as i have seen in Wilmington. Highly recommend and

I was fortunate to take in the Sister Act play and dinner, when I say I was EXTREMELY impressed!!! The service was impeccable, the food was DELICOUS!!! Now for the play, I was so surprise with the cast. The cast, very talented. Oh how I enjoyed the singing the acting, just everything about the play I enjoyed!!! This was my very first time at The Candle Light Theater and will not be my last. I would advise anyone that lives in the Delaware area to just find your way to this establishment, you want be disappointed. read more

This place used to be good. It is May 2023 and they still haven't brought back the buffet post COVID. I won't be back till it's open.

This place is so cute and a fun experience if you're in Arden! Took my mom here to see She Loves Me and it was wonderful. The actors double as servers and are super friendly and talented. Pretty fun seeing the woman slicing roast turkey and then on stage singing her heart out. It's a one-of-a-kind experience especially when dinner theaters are fading away. The cost is very reasonable considering the buffet was excellent. Just note, the lines get long so if you wait til the end like I did to avoid crowding, some of the food is gone. I still had a fantastic meal there and loved the show. We'll be back again! read more

The Candlelight Theatre - Inside the theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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I just saw "The Sound of Music" earlier today at Candlelight. I've seen several productions of this beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein show through the years, and this was the best. It was extremely well staged and choreographed. The lead actors were enthusiastic and their singing was stellar. The reverend mother's "Climb Every Mountain" rendition that concluded Act One blew the audience away. What a beautiful voice that did justice to the song. But the entire cast worked at this level. The direction made the show brisk, snappy, and engrossing. The sound was also good. The music never drowned out the voices. The famous movie version is different from the show in some key ways, but the show, when done right, is entertaining on its own terms. And this show is fine right! They no longer have the buffet. At first, when I returned here after the pandemic, I missed it. But I've come to enjoy being served "sit down style." You will feel tremendously uplifted and optimistic when you see this show. It is NOT to be missed. read more

I love coming to The Candlelight Theatre for a dinner and a show! As others have mentioned, your servers are the actors in the show (they get you your drinks). They give you plenty of time to eat dinner before the show starts. It's buffet style, and they also have a nice salad bar with delicious peel and eat shrimp, and a great dessert selection. The food has been awesome each time I've been here. The line can be long, but again, there is plenty of time between the time you get seated to the start of the show. I look forward to coming to more shows! read more

While concept of dinner theatre has been around for quite some time, this is the very first time that I have ever been to one. I didn't quite know what to expect; but give the proximity, and also the show being The Music Man, one of my favorite musical, I thought I ought to give it a try. What a memorable night it was. The Candlelight Theatre is situated pretty much where Veale Road dead ends into Harvey Rd. Use your GPS for your first run as getting there, and leaving the premise require you to take slightly different routes (at least the final few turns on approach can be confusing). The building is reminiscent of a red barn house. There is plenty of parking, and over flow parking is available at the elderly home across the street. The show starts at 8pm, and food is serve around 6:10pm. I would advice you to get there a bit early (say 15 min prior)as seating is quick, and the lines to the food gets long even quicker. When you first arrive, you will most likely find yourself crammed into the vestibule area where the ticket office is located, and there is also a full stocked bar to the right where you can get drinks while you wait. The door opens promptly at 6pm, and you will be seated by the host/hostess. You don't really need to bring a ticket as everything has been assigned beforehand. Just need to identify yourself and your party. Your servers are typically member of the cast, so tip well because they really deserve it! Dinner is a buffet (you can look online beforehand for the food that is going to be served). There is a line for hot food, and a line for salad/ dessert. Depending on which line is longer, I advise going to the shorter one. I think the food was wonderful, I timed it just right so that I got the newly replenished dishes. They have a generous selection, and the dessert all looked great. They stop serving food around 7:30pm. The wait staff will take your last order for drinks, and will provide you with the drink bill which you paid at the intermission. The performance, well, it was simply sublime. The actors were phemonenal, and interacted well with the audience. I was deeply impressed by their singing, and you can tell they put a lot of effort in preparing for their roles, and take pride in what they are doing. A labour of love. Everything was done just so, good timing, great flow, and just superb story telling and singing. Also for a small stage, they really did an amazing job with the props. I am already waxing nostalgia as I write this, but truly did I have a most agreeable evening. This can be either a family event, a date, or just something really nice to treat yourself and friends. Tip: The attire is business casual to casual. I was a bit over dressed, and got initially mistaken for a cast. But what the heck, it was absolutely worth dressing up for and making a night of it. Bring a jacket or a shawl, it can get chilly in there. Which makes sense as the actors are in a lot of make up, costumes, and under the spot light. It gets hot for them quick otherwise. There are Groupon and discounts available should cost is a concern. I think it is worth every penny, and as I mentioned previously, do tip well. The theatre itself is non-profit, and the cast/wait staff work for a nominal fee, and share their earnings with kitchen/ busers/ bartenders. Bring a friend/ family/ significant other, you guys will love it! Check their website for other events. They do trivia nights, and comedy nights. Follow the speed limit. I noticed a cop trap right where Veale becomes Wilson. read more

If I could sum up in a couple words describing our experience at the New Candlelight Music Theatre- it would be "delightfully surprising." As you make your way through narrow roads identified by short, brown street signs that wind and groove towards this quaint little destination- a red barn becomes prevalent as it's humbly established in this historic part of Ardentown. There seems to be a nostalgic feeling when you enter through the refined barn doors as your senses are met with randomly framed pictures of performers along the walls, the atmosphere is lightly dimmed and the bustle of a growing crowd gradually fills the dining room as they settle down. The tables are generally arranged with no special sequence, except to be adorned with a red tablecloth and standard place settings. Our party of eight was led to a table that was moderately close to the front of the stage- however the area was large enough to accommodate a large collection of people without obstructing the visual clarity of the show. One of my favorite aspects of the theatre were the chandeliers that hung delicately from the ceiling. It lended itself beautifully to the ambience which was never compromised by the sophisticated sound and lighting system equipment that were also attached to the beamers. Before the 8pm show, they played hits from the 80's at a reasonable sound level which I thought was very charming. Our server assumed double roles that night- part waitress for our dining experience as well as one of the actresses onstage. It was primarily that way for most of the actors- I have a hunch that because the theatre is a non-profit organization, labor from the entertainment is somewhat mandatory. I personally thought it was a novel idea and was quite pleasing to see the characters and dining experience in such harmony. The food here alone compels you to return to this place. Quality tends to overcome quantity here- with just a few items on their buffet line you'll be thoroughly content. To describe it without provoking my hunger, the buffet consisted of just a few items: grouper in lobster sauce, chicken marsala, delicious pasta, peel and eat shrimp, mixed vegetables, BBQ meatballs and a carving station for beef. The salad was fresh and come with a handful of toppings like small black beans, chickpeas, traditional croutons and a handful of dressings (which didn't taste bottled). As for the selection of desserts- they must of had about 6-8 kinds: chocolate cake, banana creme pie, tiramisu, pecan pie, cheesecake... all so decadent! Judging from the overall quality, they must have all been prepared on the premises. There's also a full cash bar which I didn't take advantage of, however other members of my party did and were quite pleased. It was fast service and appropriately priced. The show was non-stop fun- a musical rendition of the 80's movie "Footloose". You are entertained from beginning to end without ever getting bored. The sound quality was perfect and all high notes were carefully achieved without a break in both the actor or sound system. I was very much impressed with their stage abilities- from the professional acting to setting up the props from scene to scene- they certainly didn't skip a beat. In retrospect, not only will I come back again, but I'll share the New Candlelight Dinner Theatre with others who are keen about classic quality entertainment. I'd like to see this place maybe expand in the future, but in it's current state I am truly satisfied. read more

We've been to two shows here, Hairspray and Guys and Dolls. The quality of the shows is excellent. The actors/actresses are quite talented, set design for a small theater is well done, and the seating allows for a good view. However, on our most recent visit, we were seated directly under a huge overhead fan that blew cold air directly on our table the entire night. Every time we asked if someone could turn the overhead fans off, we were told a different story - we're working on it, they're on a system, etc. - until someone finally leveled with us and said they couldn't be turned off due to the heat of the lights on the stage. However, the fans weren't above the stage. They were above the diners. Coupled with the fact that it was about 18 degrees outside, this didn't make for a very good evening. We tried to move out of the direct blast, but that didn't help. In addition, the coffee and tea were barely warm. Leaving several coffee and hot water urns by the dessert station would help keep these beverages hot. I hope the New Candlelight Theatre can find a way to direct the fans at the stage rather than at the customers. read more

I've been here too many times to count. We've never had a bad experience. Sometimes the food lines are kinda long, but you get used to it. The food is served buffet style and now they even have the food marked as to whether it's gluten free, vegetarian or even vegan. Yay! Im vegan. It's disappointing that the mashed potatoes are neither vegetarian or vegan. Anyway, our server also told us that the kitchen will make special food for dietary restrictions if you tell them ahead of time. So, it's great fun, the shows are put together well. The actors are also the servers and they are really busy but very friendly. If you've never been you need to go!! read more

What Can I say? This place is Unique, Fun, and worth every penny for a ticket!! A GREAT NIGHT OUT!! I thought I was lost going down a small dirt road to an old Farm House converted into a dinner theater. I wasn't sure what to expect. A High School Play? Not a Chance!! The Building is a converted Barn? A Cozy Roomy interior with tables, and a Dinner Buffet that is Above Average Food, all served by the Actors that will be playing in the show. Can't be a good show if the actors are the servers? WRONG!! The service is IMPECCABLE!!! The Show Should is BROADWAY QUALITY!!! Daily Drink Specials! The night I went, Guinness was $3/Bottle. The people were all nice! If you don't have enough people to fill up a table, they'll seat you with others. Everyone was friendly and COURTEOUS!!! It's amazing how well your Server/Actor performed at your table and on Stage. Dollar for Dollar, at $50 +-/pp, Dinner, Dessert & Show, (No Sales Tax), was an absolute BARGAIN!!! I can't wait to go back for the next show!!! Season tickets can be purchased. Bring a group, you won't regret it!! Chef Gary. read more

I've been coming to here for a number of years. The shows are good and the food is very good. The people that do the shows are very proud of what they do and treat the show goers great they try there hardest to accomdate where you want to seat. Come see a show and you will get hooked. read more

$65 DOLLAR show and dinner it's different when you pay $100 you have to eat good beef we can serve filet mignons strip steaks prime rib everybody have to pay more than $100 do not happy the buffet at the style sorry,,, sausage and peppers and meatballs and macaroni salad bar only you can have for $65 next time any people and doesn't like the food that Candlelight don't come back we prepare the food everyday fresh ... this is buffet style we have it the best desserts When you pay $65 just for the food you can have crab cake ... strip steaks ,,, prime rib ,,,filed mignon you money talk my friend don't say you know like the food when you pay $65 just show and dinner thank you for all the peoples like the food .. read more

Rustic, charming venue, talented cast, great show (The Drowsy Chaperone). Food served buffet style, thus lines are a bit long. Interesting that the cast are the servers and then they perform. Food was OK. Adequate parking, super dark at night. Overall pleasant experience. read more

The atmosphere was fun and bright . Food is plentiful though not exceptional . Desserts were lovely. Seating is family style . The troop was outstanding. We have seen a couple shows and have been uniformly great. read more

My wife and I and some friends attend almost every show they put on here each year. I never stopped being amazed at the quality of the shows they put on. The perform way above the standard for tiny Delaware dinner theater. Keep up the great work everyone! read more

Make sure you charge the buffet right when it opens, because they run out of food and tell you tough luck.

I have been a regular at the New Candlelight Theater for at least 7 years. (I've lost count). All of the performers work here for $25 or under a show. You would never know it because they get up there with heart every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Afterward, they thank you at the exit. I brought many of my friends and family through the years. I always have a really good time. It feels like a good place to bring your family, friends or a date. New Candle's theater building has a lot of charm inside and out. Even the roads nearby the theater are bucolic and special. New Candle's buffet quality is excellent. There's always a chicken, fish, and steak item on the buffet in addition to a veggie option. They change the main course up a little bit between shows. Sometimes the buffet items match the theme of the production. New Candle's salad bar is very consistent with at least 15 different veggies to select for your salad. In addition to about 5 different pies to choose from the buffet, you can pay a small fee for a ice cream brownie sundae that you'll receive at intermission. It is quite good. The staff that run the buffet are friendly, and although I don't know them by name, I like seeing them show after show. I'm probably the king of getting to the theater at the last minute. One time the buffet staff stopped guests from eating the last of the chicken because we arrived near the end of the buffet hour and we did not have firsts. Additionally, if you get stuck in traffic, the buffet staff prepare an excellent meal for your group to eat upon your late arrival. Kudos to the buffet staff and the food they whip up for us! It's nice seeing the same recurring staff in different roles. My favorite shows at New Candlelight have been (in order but very close): The Full Monty, 42nd Street, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anything Goes, Man of La mancha, West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, Footloose, Nunsense, Miss Saigon, Chicago, The Wedding Singer, Annie. My least favorite shows were Grease, Cats, and Jesus Christ Superstar (maybe it's a Andrew Lloyd Webber thing?). Just like pizza, even the bad shows were pretty good. What I'm saying is most of the time the shows are fantastic, but once in long while you get a dud. Dinner and a show for $56 is a great deal! Remember to tip the barely paid waitstaff! read more

Candlelight theatre was incredible. It was my first time there with my husband and I bought the tickets off of Groupon for sweeney todd. We love going to theatres and this is by far one of our favorites. We arrived 20 mins before 6 which is when dinner started and my husband and I was not disappointed at all. Definitelt tske the time ib between dinner and the show to take a walk and stretch your legs. We didnt leave till about a little beforw 11 (5 hours). Anyway, there was a great selection of food and were flavorful. They had fish, chicken, pork tenderloin, beef, shrimp, Sheppard pie (we loved esp since that's what sweeney todd served which we thought was awesome). The dessert was delicious as well, my husband had 3! Lol. The service was wonderful and a couple of the waiter/waitresses were the cast of the show who helped serve. Neat idea we thought. They were friendly even the director came to talk and find out how we were enjoying everything. The show was phenomenal! They were so close to the movie too. It was amazing. For what it is worth even without the groupon, we will sure be visiting again! We also live about an hour away so that could tell you all more of how much we enjoyed this place. Another thing is that this place is non profit and they did a raffle to raise money, however if you do join in on the raffle. You could win half of the pot of the donations! The woman who won was a regular, and donated her 350$ winnings back to the theatre. Definitely a warm and friendly place. read more

The shows are always very good, but the food is not so great. It is often made to sound amazing on the menu, but when it arrives it is not what you expected. I think that you pay way too much for below average food. read more

Love this showcase for local talent - and the cast doubles as your waitstaff too! Fun venue -- rustic barn vibe (so where are Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney?!). Food is plentiful on the buffet w/ 2 lines at a time - one for salads & one for hot food. Lines can run long, but were generally quick. Food options efficiently replenished throughout. Crowd pleasers seemed to be the shrimp w/ cocktail sauce appetizer and the wide range of baked desserts. Some interesting meat sauce combos - like pork/apricot and meatball/grape jelly. A little worn around the edges, but unquestionably a fun afternoon/evening's entertainment! read more

Went for a Comedy night and had an outstanding time. A smaller venue nestled nearby. I cannot wait until we get to go back! read more