- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Candlelight Music Dinner Theatre
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
1 review for Candlelight Music Dinner Theatre
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.