William Pullinsi, recognized as a key figure in the development of dinner theater in the United States, passed away on May 17 at his home in Dyer, Indiana. He was 86 years old. His death was attributed to natural causes and was announced by Tony D’Angelo, his longtime partner at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. ‘We worked together for 70 years,’ D’Angelo shared. ‘Everyone who worked for him was like family.’
Jim Jacobs, known for writing the musical Grease, mentioned that he penned the musical in the green room of Candlelight while acting in one of Pullinsi’s shows. Pullinsi directed over 400 productions throughout his career, most of them based in the Chicago area.
Early Life and Career
Born in September 1939 and raised in Summit, Pullinsi was not only a director but also a talent scout. Among those he helped to launch were notable actors like Mandy Patinkin, Joe Mantegna, Shelley Long, John C. Reilly, and more. Together with D’Angelo, he initiated a Candlelight Theatre in Washington, D.C. in 1959, when they were fresh out of college. They provided dinner and a show at an affordable price, not far from the White House.
They relocated to Chicago in 1961, establishing what they called ‘The Original Dinner Playhouse’ in Summit. The theater became a beloved institution, known for its affordable charm, merging dining with theatrical performances.
The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
The Candlelight’s initial location was at 5508 S. Archer Ave, close to Midway International Airport, on land once owned by Pullinsi’s grandfather. Pullinsi’s mother, June Pullinsi, was also involved in its early direction. In 1964, he was able to move to a larger venue at 5620 S. Harlem Ave., seating 550 patrons. The Forum Theatre was added in 1973 to showcase more daring performances without dinner service.
The Candlelight provided a unique experience. Guests enjoyed cocktails and a meal before the show while seated at tables surrounding a theater-in-the-round, accompanied by live orchestral music. Despite its success, the theater closed in 1997 after financial difficulties.
Legacy and Later Years
Pullinsi was a resident of Evanston, where he attended St. Joseph School and Benet Academy. He pursued further studies at the Goodman School of Drama and received an honorary doctorate from Lewis University. He later took on the role of artistic director at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana. Upon retiring in 2015, he was honored as the Chicagoan of the Year in Theater by the Tribune, acknowledging his significant contributions.
Former colleagues remember Pullinsi fondly. Eileen LeCario of Broadway in Chicago, expressed admiration, as did Noreen Heron, a publicist whose career began at Candlelight. Michael Weber, artistic director of Porchlight Music Theatre, highlighted Pullinsi’s impact on audiences through an enriched theatrical experience. Among his many renowned productions were long-running shows like Fiddler on the Roof and Man of La Mancha, along with the significant plays premiered at the Forum Theatre.
Pullinsi is survived by his son, Jamie Pullinsi, and his former wife, Ami Silvestre. Funeral details are pending.
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