Remembering William Pullinsi: Pioneer of American Dinner Theater

William Pullinsi, a pivotal figure in American theater, passed away on May 17 at 86. Known as the founder of dinner theater in the United States, Pullinsi established the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Summit, Illinois. His passing, due to natural causes, occurred at his home in Dyer, Indiana. Tony D’Angelo, Pullinsi’s longtime partner and collaborator, shared the news. Reflecting on their partnership, D’Angelo noted, “We worked together for 70 years. Everybody who worked for him, he considered family.”

Jim Jacobs, writer and actor, credited the Candlelight’s green room as the birthplace of the musical “Grease.” Pullinsi’s career was prolific; he directed over 400 productions, largely in Chicago. Born in September 1939, Pullinsi grew up in Summit. Apart from directing, Pullinsi was revered for fostering talent, launching careers of artists such as Mandy Patinkin, Joe Mantegna, and Shelley Long, among others.

Pullinsi and D’Angelo started their theatrical journey in Washington, D.C., in 1959, opening a candlelight theater shortly after college. “We offered people dinner and a show for $3.95,” D’Angelo recalled. By 1961, they brought this concept to Chicago, dubbing it “The Original Dinner Playhouse.” The theater was first situated at 5508 S. Archer Avenue, near Midway International Airport, on land owned by Pullinsi’s grandfather. Pullinsi’s mother, June, also contributed by directing during its early years.

The theater’s success allowed Pullinsi to relocate to 5620 S. Harlem Avenue in 1964. With 550 seats, this venue established Pullinsi as a major theatrical producer. In 1973, he added the Forum Theatre at the same location, providing a space for more experimental productions. The Candlelight offered a unique experience, combining dinner with a theater-in-the-round setting, where waitstaff served meals before shows accompanied by a live orchestra. Dessert followed during intermission.

Pullinsi benefited from D’Angelo’s background in electrical engineering, allowing the theater to feature advanced stage equipment. Despite its success, the theater closed in 1997 due to financial issues. Even as it shuttered, the memories endured among patrons and staff.

Educated at St. Joseph School and Benet Academy, Pullinsi furthered his studies at the Goodman School of Drama and received an honorary doctorate from Lewis University. Later, he led the Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana, advocating for a professional Equity company until retiring in 2015. The Chicago Tribune named him Chicagoan of the Year in Theater that year, in recognition of his contributions.

Former associates like Eileen LeCario, now Broadway in Chicago’s vice president, and Noreen Heron, a renowned publicist, attest to Pullinsi’s enduring influence. Michael Weber of Porchlight Music Theatre fondly remembered Pullinsi: “He trusted and challenged his audiences with an experience that provided them exposure to a wider world.”

Among Pullinsi’s notable productions were “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Man of La Mancha,” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” He directed the play “Boss,” based on Mike Royko’s writing on Mayor Daley, to open the Forum Theatre. His career also sparked new interest in Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies.” Shows such as “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” enjoyed long runs under his guidance.

Pullinsi’s legacy extends through his surviving son, Jamie Pullinsi, and former wife, Ami Silvestre. Details of his funeral are yet to be announced. His contributions to theater remain celebrated, with many of his productions influencing far beyond Chicago.