Theatre B Celebrates Life with Noah Haidle’s ‘Birthday Candles’

Theatre B is currently showcasing the poignant play “Birthday Candles” by Noah Haidle, running until December 21, 2023. Set in the kitchen of Ernestine Ashworth, the narrative spans her life from age 17 to 107, illustrating the beauty found in ordinary moments.

The production invites audiences to celebrate the passage of time and the significance of small experiences. As Monika Browne-Ecker, Theatre B’s managing director, noted, “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.” The play captures the essence of human experience, as audiences will witness Ernestine light candles to mark each stage of her life, reflecting on dreams, family, love, and regret.

Originally brought to life on Broadway in 2022, “Birthday Candles” featured Debra Messing in the lead role. The production was well-received, with Variety magazine calling it “a true gift.” Theatre B’s rendition highlights ensemble member Crystal Cossette Knight as Ernestine, who expressed the unique challenge of portraying a character across her entire lifetime in just an hour and a half.

“It’s a slice-of-life play, with a little magic sprinkled in,” Knight said. “There’s poetry to the dialogue. Audiences will be able to relate to the characters and many of Ernestine’s experiences.” She emphasized the play’s humor, noting that it balances emotional depth with moments of laughter. One of her favorite lines, “I wish you so many beautiful hours,” encapsulates the play’s heartfelt message.

Director Wilhelmi shared her personal connection to the themes of family and tradition. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother, who lived to be 99, she remarked, “I was drawn to this show because of the family generations and traditions. I am fascinated by the long life journey in this play.” Wilhelmi highlighted the importance of recognizing how families evolve over time, stating, “It really explores what it means to spend time with loved ones.”

Stage Manager Rachel Geinert added that while the play is not holiday-themed, it prompts audiences to reflect on their own family relationships, especially as the festive season approaches. “How do we handle the grief of the missing people in our holiday traditions?” she asked. “And how do those traditions help us maintain connections to all those who have come before?”

Theatre B has been a vibrant part of the Fargo-Moorhead community since its inception in 2003, known for delivering bold new works and award-winning plays. This production of “Birthday Candles” continues that tradition, encouraging dialogue and deepening community connections.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on December 12 and 19, and 2 p.m. on December 14 and 21. The venue is located at 215 10th St. N., Moorhead. Advanced reservations are encouraged, though walk-up tickets will also be available.

For more information, visit www.theatreb.org. This article is part of a content partnership with The Arts Partnership, dedicated to fostering the arts in Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo.