In 1961 (while still a student), William Pullinsi (with help from his family) acquired a tavern and adjacent barbershop, remodeled it, and opened it as a dinner/theatre. It was small (seating about 112), but successful. In 1964, a new theatre was constructed at its present location, seating 350 (it has since been expanded to seat 600), while the old building has been replaced by I-55. Musicals were added to the repertoire, and Candlelight became the first resident company in Chicago to perform a 52-week season, 8 shows yearly. Its over-200 shows included many classics, but also 3 world premieres, and more than 40 Chicago firsts, entertaining more than 2 million theatregoers, and being nominated for over 200 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Candlelight has served more than 9 million meals.

A number of notable actors (including Shelley Long, Mandy Pantinkin and Joe Mantegna) got their starts working at Candlelight. Jim Jacobs wrote the score to the musical Grease in Candlelight's dressing room (he was appearing in Jimmy Shine.

In 1971, its sister theatre, Candlelight Forum Theatre was built.

Production History through 1985