The mission of The Candlelight Theatre is to continue the tradition of employing and educating artists by encouraging them to explore and hone their craft through the art of live theatre. Through the unique interaction of these artists with our audiences, we share a commitment to revitalize, inspire, and enrich the community we serve.

O’TOOLE, LENA PALMARELLA December 27, 1927 – October 6, 2021

We are grateful to her for her contribution to the community and her love and support of
Candlelight even after her retirement.

This is just a portion of her obituary. To view in full please visit
https://www.mccreryandharra.com/obituaries/2021-10-08-otoole-lena-palmarella/

In 1969, Lena participated in the creation of Delaware’s first dinner theater – Candlelight
Music Dinner Theatre in Ardentown− with her husband and his partner, Julian Borris
and wife Annabelle. Lena was Board Secretary and office manager for 31 years until
Lena & John’s retirement in 2000. Actors and audience members remember her
hospitality, enthusiasm, and steady hand in managing reservations, finances, as well as
a few notable on-stage appearances, and even assistant directing a few productions
over the years.

“You get to meet, greet, and know the actors and actresses up close and personal.”
John Callahan, Season Pass Holder since 2012

"The end of the afternoon you leave with the great feeling you have enjoyed another theatrical production with your whole family. In a nutshell, you can't beat Candlelight and that's why Nunsense (2015) was our 48th trek down from Northeast Philly, 42 miles each way...an afternoon with our extended family."
“From divas to fiddlers on the roof”
Visited January 2015, Reviewed July 9, 2015 via mobile

"I have been to several shows here from a drag show to a classic play. The food has always been wonderful and the buffet gives everyone something to enjoy. As for views, given this is a small theater there is not a bad seat. So for a cost effective local show you can not beat this venu!"
“Local talent does very professional job of putting on top notch shows”
Visited April 2015,

Actors serve as waiters. Fresh Salad bar. Peel yourself shrimp. Varied hot dinner buffet. Great desserts!
“Top rate performance and fun for the whole family”
Reviewed May 2013,

We have seen Annie and Bye bye Birdie and we had a wonderful experience both times. Our kids (7&9) loved it as much as we did. The performances are impressive and having your waiter be in the show is a fun feature. It is worth every penny.

The Board and staff would like to express how thankful we are for all
the support you have shown to Candlelight over the years and are looking forward to
welcoming you back to “the barn” when you are ready.

Who’s Who: Best Of Candlelight Theatre

CAST • Artistic Staff

ROSEMARY BENSON
TIFFANY DAWN CHRISTOPHER
Anthony Connell
TIARA GREENE
VICTORIA HEALY

ROSEMARY BENSON
About ROSEMARY BENSON

ROSEMARY BENSON loves being back with the Candlelight family! Favorite roles include Mame (Barny Award), Mrs. Brice (Funny Girl), Mrs. Paroo (Music Man), Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Beast, Barny Award). A featured vocalist with the Ward Marston Orchestra, the Jim Levendis Orchestra, the Midiri Brothers Sextet; several Italy tours with the Atlantic City Jazz Band; East Coast cabarets include Falling in Love Is Wonderful, from her CD with pianist Ward Marston. A SOVAS award-winning and Audie-nominated narrator by day, most of her 100+ audiobooks are available on Audible/iTunes. www.rosemarybenson.com
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TIFFANY DAWN CHRISTOPHER
About TIFFANY DAWN CHRISTOPHER

Tiffany Dawn Christopher is THRILLED to be part of such an AMAZING show with a STELLAR cast! She was last seen in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Beehive: The 60s Musical here at Candlelight. She’s a graduate of Howard University where she majored in Communications and minored in Theatre. Audiences may also remember her in The Drowsy Chaperone playing the role of The Drowsy Chaperone here at Candlelight. Theatre credits include: The Color Purple (Shug Avery u/s & Ensemble), Ragtime (Sarah), Spamalot (Lady of the Lake), How to Succeed, Young Frankenstein, The Odd Couple-Female Version, Anything Goes, and Christmas by Candlelight. Favorite roles include: Memphis the Musical (Felicia Farrell), Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette), West Side Story (Anita), The King and I (Eliza), and Into the Woods (The Witch – 2001 and 2004). All thanks God for the multiple opportunities to share her talents with the world. Thank you, Bob, Chris, Jodi and Dann, for this opportunity. Special thanks to my Family and Friends for all of their LOVE and SUPPORT! This show and every show is dedicated to my heartbeat, my BEAUTIFUL daughter Harper! Everything I do is for YOU!
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Anthony Connell
About Anthony Connell

ANTHONY CONNELL is proud to be part of Best of Candlelight. He is a graduate of DeSales University. Previous Candlelight credits: Chris (Miss Saigon), George (The Wedding Singer), Leo Bloom (The Producers), Frederick Frankenstein (Young Frankenstein), Dickon (The Secret Garden), Sir Robin (Spamalot), Underling (The Drowsy Chaperone), Eddie Ryan (Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?). Other credits include: Hanschen (Spring Awakening-Theatre Horizon), Painter U/S + (Tulipomania-Arden Theatre), Lt. Cable (South Pacific-Broadway Theatre Pitman, NJ), Jean Michel (La Cage- Broadway Theatre Pitman, NJ). A million thanks to the Candlelight patrons and season pass holders who keep Candlelight glowing. Special thanks to my #1 fan- Roberta. I love you!
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TIARA GREENE
About TIARA GREENE

TIARA GREENE is thrilled to be returning to the Candlelight stage! Tiara was recently seen here in “Beehive: The 60s musical” and is excited to once again share this stage with a talented cast and crew. Theater credits include: Bonnie and Clyde (Governor/Trish), Annie (Miss Hannigan), Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? (Sister Lee), The Drowsy Chaperone (Trix), Memphis (Felicia), Hairspray (Motormouth Maybelle), and Rent (Joanne). Tiara would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support!
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VICTORIA HEALY
About VICTORIA HEALY

VICTORIA HEALY is thrilled to be back onstage revisiting some of her favorite roles! Favorite Candlelight credits: Funny Girl (Fanny Brice), Boeing Boeing (Berthe), Hairspray (Penny), Young Frankenstein (Frau Blucher), She Loves Me (Ilona), and Spelling Bee (Olive). Other favorites: Assassins (Eagle Theatre); Miracle on South Division Street and Greetings! (Montgomery Theater); A Little Night Music (CTC). She received her B.F.A. in Drama from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. During the day, she is a middle school Theater teacher at Tower Hill School, coaches sports, cheers for the Phillies, and loves to snuggle with her sweet dog, Dixie, and new puppy, Daisy! “Love the art in you, not you in the art.”
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