Birthday Candles is a deeply moving play that explores the life of Ernestine Ashworth, highlighting her yearly birthday celebrations and the meaningful rituals she holds dear.

~Review and Photos by Dana Nöllsch~

“Birthday Candles” The Story

“Birthday Candles” begins with Ernestine Ashworth celebrating her 17th birthday alongside her mother. Each year, they make a cake together to start the celebration, and this ritual will last for Ernestine’s entire life and perhaps beyond.

Each year, there is a cake; this is the constant, but each year, the celebration takes on the energy of the moment. As the play opens, we learn about the young woman’s identity and her life goals. As the scenes transition from her 17th birthday to her 18th, we are witnesses to her watershed moment when she loses her mother.

From this point onward, the audience witnesses each birthday and sees how Ernestine’s life evolves with every passing year, all the way to her final birthday, 90 years later. These years bring about a multitude of changes—new relationships, children, death, disappointment, joy, and profound revelations.

I won’t delve into the specifics of Ernestine’s life journey to avoid revealing any spoilers. However, this is the most emotionally charged play I have ever seen, brilliantly written and equally brilliantly acted. As I left the theater after watching “Birthday Candles,” it struck me that this play is both an emotional hammer and an intellectual masterpiece.

One thing I can say is that the determination and resiliency of Ernestine are an inspiration.

Reno Little Theater is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, and “Birthday Candles” is a fantastic way to kick off this milestone season.

Here are some photos to give you a taste of “Birthday Candles”

The Performances

The performances are as outstanding as the writing. The cast works together seamlessly, bringing the characters to life. Most of the actors portray multiple roles and ages; you may think this would be distracting, but it works remarkably well, adding a wonderful layer to the performances. This also demonstrates the talent and quality of the cast.

I cannot emphasize enough how impressive Emily Murdoch’s performance as Ernestine is. Her talent and presence in this role truly shine, and you’ll understand what I mean when you see her in “Birthday Candles.”

This production features a diverse cast, serving as the best example I’ve ever seen of how a varied ensemble can come together to create something truly special.

The Set

The entire play takes place in the kitchen of a family home. Like most families, the kitchen serves as the center of daily life, and the set is the kind of kitchen where any family would love to grow up and grow old in.

Make no mistake, this is a working kitchen, and its functionality will become evident during the performance.

The Bottom Line

“Birthday Candles” is a poignant and deep production that is both tragic and joyous. It offers more than just entertainment; it is a profoundly emotional experience. When I watched the preview, the performances brought tears to every person in the audience, which is very rare and signifies something truly special.

When you go to see “Birthday Candles,” be sure to bring tissues—perhaps even an oversized box or two!

Birthday Candles