Birthday Candles

Previews: July 5–7   
Performance Dates: July 9–21    

Ernestine Ashworth contemplates her cosmic insignificance on her 17th birthday, a feeling that follows her through the swift passage of time. In the blink of an eye, she reaches her 18th birthday, hurtles toward her 41st, accelerates into her 70th, and glides into her 101st. Birthday Candles is a heartfelt and humorous story that guides the audience through the significant, challenging, and remarkable moments as time inexorably marches on. One ordinary woman’s life is measured by the simple tradition of baking a birthday cake. 

Originally developed as a New Play Workshop during the 2017 season and then performed around the country, Chautauqua will finally mount its own full production of Birthday Candles. What a fitting way to open CTC’s mainstage season and celebrate Chautauqua Institution’s 150th birthday! 

This production may not be suitable for youth under 8. 

BY
Noah Haidle