William Pullinsi, considered the founder of dinner theater in America, passed away on May 17 at the age of 86. He died from natural causes at his home in Dyer, Indiana. Pullinsi was renowned as the founding artistic director of the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Summit, a southwest suburb of Chicago.
Tony D’Angelo, his longtime partner at Candlelight, shared the news of Pullinsi’s passing. “We worked together for 70 years,” D’Angelo commented. “Everybody who worked for him, he considered family.”
Jim Jacobs, a writer and actor, credited Pullinsi’s influence in his creation of the musical “Grease.” He mentioned writing it while working in Candlelight’s green room. Over his career, Pullinsi directed more than 400 shows, the majority in the Chicago area.
Early Life and Career
Pullinsi was born in September 1939 and grew up in Summit. Alongside directing, he played a key role in developing talent. Among the artists he fostered are Mandy Patinkin, Joe Mantegna, and Shelley Long.
Pullinsi and D’Angelo opened their first Candlelight Theatre in Washington, D.C., in 1959, shortly after college. They offered a dinner and a show for $3.95 near the White House. In 1961, they brought their concept to Chicago, establishing “The Original Dinner Playhouse” in Summit.
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
Candlelight stood out for being accessible and elegant. It was originally located at 5508 S. Archer Ave., built on land once owned by Pullinsi’s grandfather. His mother, June Pullinsi, was involved in the early years.
In 1964, they moved to a larger venue at 5620 S. Harlem Ave., with a 550-seat theater. This advancement solidified Pullinsi’s status as a serious theatrical producer. He added the Forum Theatre in 1973 to explore bolder productions.
Candlelight served dinner before performances, with patrons enjoying cocktails and meals while seated around a theater-in-the-round. The theater featured stage hydraulics and advanced lighting, thanks to D’Angelo’s engineering expertise.
Despite its popularity, Candlelight closed in 1997 after facing financial troubles. Though demolished, the theater lives on in the memories of its former staff and audience.
Further Contributions and Influence
Pullinsi also lived in Evanston, attending local schools and furthering his education at the Goodman School of Drama. He received an honorary doctorate in humanities from Lewis University.
Later, Pullinsi served as artistic director of Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana. He ensured a professional Equity company at the venue, directing many successful shows there. He retired in 2015, earning the title of Chicagoan of the Year in Theater from the Tribune.
Colleagues and former staff speak highly of Pullinsi’s influence. Eileen LeCario, now at Broadway in Chicago, expressed her admiration. Publicist Noreen Heron, who began at Candlelight, acknowledged Pullinsi’s impact on her career.
His productions at Candlelight included long runs of classic musicals. He also worked on distinctive projects like “Boss,” based on Mike Royko’s book on Mayor Daley, and Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies.” His initiative with John Powers’ play “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” resulted in a four-and-a-half-year run.
Pullinsi’s legacy extends beyond Chicago, influencing dinner theater across the nation. He leaves behind his son, Jamie Pullinsi, and his former wife, Ami Silvestre. Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.