Life isn’t always a cakewalk, but Theatre B suggests we light some candles and celebrate anyway.
That’s the lesson behind playwright Noah Haidle’s “Birthday Candles,” now showing at Theatre B through December 21.
‘In the span of a lifetime’
“Birthday Candles” follows Ernestine Ashworth from age 17 to 107, all without leaving her Grand
Rapids, Mich., kitchen.
“In the life of Ernestine, small, fleeting moments and daily habits seem inconsequential, but over the span of a lifetime, they become her life’s substance,” said Monika Browne-Ecker, Theatre B managing director. “She spends her 17th birthday fretting over her smallness in the universe. In an instant, she’s 18. Then 41. Then 70. Then 101.”
In between that long, well-lived life is the stuff of the human experience. Audiences will find themselves celebrating alongside Ernestine as she lights another candle to mark the gentle passing of time and tradition.
Written by playwright Noah Haidle, actor Debra Messing (NBC’s “Will & Grace”) brought Ernestine to life on Broadway in 2022. The Roundabout Theatre Company performance was considered “a true gift” by “Variety” magazine.
‘I wish you so many beautiful hours’
In Theatre B’s production, “Birthday Candles” shines the limelight on ensemble member Crystal Cossette Knight in a leading role as Ernestine.
For Knight, playing Ernestine means embodying someone’s entire lifetime in the course of an hour and a half. No easy feat.
“It’s a slice-of-life play, with a little magic sprinkled in.” she said. “There’s poetry to the dialogue. Audiences will be able to relate to the characters and many of Ernestine’s experiences.”
Knight said the show is also genuinely funny and she’s looking forward to casting a light on the silliness of being human.
“I read ‘Birthday Candles’ and started crying as soon as I finished it because I was overwhelmed by the entire story,” she added. “But there are many humorous surprises that I’m excited for our cast to share with the audiences. It’s a deeply beautiful play.”
Knight’s favorite line: “I wish you so many beautiful hours.”
‘It’s a blessing out of disguise’
As the years pass in moments, Ernestine grapples with dreams, heartbreaks, family, love, regret, and the beauty found in ordinary days.
For Wilhelmi, directing “Birthday Candles” meant sharing her own admiration for people who know how to live well—and long.
“I was drawn to this show because of the family generations and traditions. My grandmother lived to 99, and I was fortunate to get to an age where she talked to me like a friend,” Wilhelmi said. “I am fascinated by the long life journey in this play.”
Wilhelmi’s favorite line: “It’s a blessing out of disguise.”
Stage Manager Rachel Geinert said this Theatre B show in particular shows that it’s perfectly normal for families to shape and shift over time.
“It really explores what it means to spend time with loved ones,” Geinert said. Even though it’s not a holiday-themed play, it might leave audiences thinking about their own family relationships in different ways as we approach the season of togetherness.
“How do we handle the grief of the missing people in our holiday traditions?” Geinert asked. “And how do those traditions help us maintain connections to all those who have come before?”
Geinert suggests that we follow Ernestine to find out.
Theatre B presents ‘Birthday Candles’
7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 12 and 19
7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 13 and 20
2 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 14 and 21
‘Birthday Candles’ cast members
Ernestine – Crystal Cossette Knight
Alice / Madeline / Ernie – Maren Jystad-Spar
Kenneth – Joseph Wilhelmi
Matt / William – Drew Relling
Billy / John – Jacob Hartje
Joan / Alex / Beth – Grace Magstadt
Advanced reservations are encouraged; walk-up tickets are also available.
About Theatre B
Since 2003, the Ensemble and guest artists have brought bold new works and award-
winning plays to life. With barrier-breaking performances and thought-provoking themes, Theatre B inspires dialogue and deepens community connections. For more information, visit
www.theatreb.org.
