Unwrap this “true gift” of a play (Variety), and journey through 80+ years of Ernestine Ashworth’s life: from her 17th to her 101st birthdays, marked by her mother’s golden butter cake and a kaleidoscope of experiences. With each passing year, Ernestine grapples with the insignificance of her existence while cherishing the ordinary and extraordinary moments that shape her. This poignant and humorous exploration of life’s highlights and heartbreaks offers a moving tribute to the resilience and complexity of the human spirit.
Recommended for ages 14+
Individual Sponsors: Katie & Bill McNabb, Pat & Jane Lusk
You’ll want to unpack this one. Right after Thursday evening performances, stay for a post-show discussion moderated by People’s Light staff, often joined by members of the cast or creative team. You can bring your thoughts and questions, or just sit back and listen!
Thursday Nights
Relaxed Performances offer a judgment-free, "shush-free" environment where traditional theatre rules are relaxed. During the performance, audience members are free to move around, exit and enter the theatre, or vocalize. All are welcome! At each Relaxed Performance, we offer audio description, ASL interpretation, and a pre-show sensory tour where you can interact with set and prop elements and ask questions.
Sunday, April 13 at 2pm
Pre-show sensory tour at 1pm (free with RSVP to diiorio@peopleslight.org)
Headsets provide commentary on the visual aspects of a performance. This supplemental narration interweaves with the real-time, spoken dialogue. This is also a Relaxed Performance.
American Sign Language interpretation provided by Hands UP Productions. This is also a Relaxed Performance.
During every performance this week, dialogue appears on an LED screen placed near the stage to benefit patrons with hearing impairments, as well as English language learners.
April 25–May 1
Our Smart Caption Glasses offer immersive, real-time captioning for live theatre. These revolutionary glasses display a synchronized transcript of the play directly on the lenses, and are customizable for your comfort.
Smart Caption Glasses are available at performances of this play in the date range below. To reserve your pair of glasses, simply add tickets to your cart, then follow the link that appears at the top of the page to add a glasses reservation to your cart for free. For assistance, please contact the Box Office at tickets@peopleslight.org.
April 22–May 1
To expand access to our work, we offer 50%-off Access Dates throughout the season. The discount is automatic for this performance, no promo code required.
Birthday Candles is currently available as a part of a 4-Play Subscription Package, which also includes The Porch on Windy Hill, A Raisin in the Sun, and Little Shop of Horrors. Our subscribers enjoy a discount off the regular ticket price, plus extra perks like invitations to exclusive events, 15% off additional ticket purchases, and more.
