By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
The weather may be cold and snowy throughout the area but, at one location in Delaware, it’s springtime – “Springtime for Hitler.”The Candlelight Theater (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org) is starting the new year off with an outrageous show – a musical which has “Springtime for Hitler” as one of its most memorable songs.
The venue’s first production of 2026 is one of Broadway’s most all-time best musical comedies — “The Producers.”
The show, which won 12 Tony Awards and two Grammy Awards, is running now through February 22.
“The Producers” is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks and a book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan.
The Candlelight presented a highly acclaimed production of “The Producers” in Spring 2013.
That show featured two of the company’s talented mainstays – Anthony Connell as Leo Bloom and David Wills as Max Bialystock.
Now, the 2026 production has both fan favorites reprising their roles from 13 years ago.
“When we did this show the first time, I played Leo and the same guy (Wills) played Max,” said Connell, during a phone interview Monday night from his home in Chichester.
“It was directed by Bob Kelly. I’ve done a lot of shows at Candlelight and that was my favorite. Under his direction, I really loved the show.”
Connell and Wills were good then.
They are even better now.
Both bring their comedic styles — Connell with his subtle humor and Wills with his slapstick physical approach.
“This is a great comedy show,” said Connell. “With comedy, it has to be fast – to be quick. Every scene has to crackle.”
“The Producers” was adapted from Brooks’ 1967 film of the same name.
“When I saw that Candlelight was doing ‘The Producers’ again, I wanted to do it,” said Connell. “I auditioned for the role of Leo. I really wanted the role.”
The story concerns two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by fraudulently overselling interests in a Broadway musical designed to fail. Complications arise when the show is a surprise hit.
The humor of “The Producers” draws on exaggerated accents, caricatures of Jews, gay people and Nazis, and many show business in-jokes.
“Years ago, the only thing I knew about the show was the song ‘Springtime for Hitler’ that my dad used to sing,” said Connell. “He would sing it when he put my sister and me to bed – except he would sing ‘Bedtime for Tina and Anthony.’”
The original Broadway production opened on April 19, 2001, starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, and ran for 2,502 performances, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards.
It spawned a successful West End production running for just over two years, national tours in the U.S. and U.K., many productions worldwide and a 2005 film version.
“I like this role,” said Connell. “I like Leo. He was an accountant who wanted to be a Broadway producer. He had his little blue scarf as a security blanket.
“I also liked that he was like a kid absorbing new things. What I really liked about Leo was when he came back at the end and returned the money.”
The current Candlelight production has Jody Anderson as Director/Choreographer, Betsy Jane Conner as Music Director, Scott Jacobs as Tap Choreographer, JJ Vavrik as Production Stage Manager and Anthony Connell as Props Master.
Connell, who has been performing at Candlelight for more than a dozen years, might hold the record for most shows. And lately he has added the role of Props Master when he hasn’t been in the cast and even when he has a role in the show.
“I enjoy being the Props Master,” said Connell, a sculptor, miniaturist and painter whose painting “Opening Night at the Candlelight” hangs in the theater’s lobby.
“It’s always a challenge doing the props and acting in the show. This is a very prop heavy show – especially the scene with all the walkers. Fortunately, Clayton (Stacey) does the wigs and makeup, and Scott does the tap choreography.
“Playing Leo the first time was very challenging – and it was my first time trying out for the role. I like his honesty and integrity – and he achieves his dream.
“It’s so much fun this time. I didn’t play it like Matthew Broderick did – same with David and the way Nathan Lane played Max. Half of what I do comes from David – like fighting over the books.”
David Wills is another Candlelight veteran who has performed shows at the Delaware venue since 1989. Some of his roles have been Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof,” the Judge in “Sweeney and Todd” and Einstein in “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
Connell is a bonafide Candlelight veteran. He has performed in more than 50 shows at the comfortable dinner theater in Arden.
“This is my 14th year doing shows at Candlelight,” said Connell, from his Chichester abode.
“My first show at Candlelight was ‘Miss Saigon’ in 2012. “My favorites are ‘Young Frankenstein’ and ‘The Producers.’ ‘Into the Woods’ is another big favorite of mine.”
Connell has returned to live in his childhood neighborhood – partly because of its proximity to the Candlelight Theater (five miles) and partly because it’s his home turf.
He attended grade school at Holy Saviour in Marcus Hook (which closed in 2015) and high school at Cardinal O’Hara in Springfield.
Connell then attended DeSales University in the Allentown suburb of Center Valley, where he earned a BA in Acting, Directing and Musical Theatre.
Ironically, another cast member graduated from one of the same schools Connell did – Mary McAvoy, who plays the key role of Ulla.
“Mary and I were talking a few weeks ago and we discovered that we both went to elementary school at Holy Saviour in Marcus Hook – but not at the same time,” said Connell. “I graduated a while before she did.”
When asked about why “The Producers” is so popular, Connell replied, “It is a Mel Brooks show and anything Mel Brooks does is great.
“It’s a really funny show and it makes you laugh. The news lately is really heavy, so you need to have time to laugh. It’s like when the Emcee in ‘Cabaret’ says – ‘Leave you troubles outside!’”
Mel Brooks’ humor, constant laughter and another performance by Connell will be featured in the Candlelight’s next production — “The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein.”
The show, which has Connell reprising his role as Frederick Frankenstein, will run from March 14-April 19.
Tickets for “The Producers,” which include dinner and show, are $77.50 for adults and $35 for children (ages 4-12).
“Show Only” tickets, which have limited availability, cost $35.
Another popular, familiar—and funny — show is being presented at People’s Light (39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, peopleslight.org) – “Steel Magnolias.”
Steel Magnolias
The show was originally scheduled to run through February 15. However, with so many performances selling out, the run has been extended through February 22.
“Steel Magnolias” is a hilarious and heart-wrenching American classic.
The reigning ladies of a small Louisiana parish spend Saturday mornings at Truvy Jones’ beauty parlor.
With help from aspiring beautician Annelle, Truvy doles out gossip, wisecracks, and hairspray to “grande dame” Miss Clairee, the lovable curmudgeon Ouiser, queen bee M’Lynn, and M’Lynn’s vivacious daughter Shelby.
Six unforgettable women command the stage in this hilarious and heart-wrenching masterpiece, starring People’s Light icons Janis Dardaris, Claire Inie-Richards, Teri Lamm, Susan McKey, and Marcia Saunders, under the direction of Abigail Adams.
Video link for People’s Light — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zICXuBNoPuY.
“Steel Magnolias” will run now through February 22 on the Steinbright Stage at People’s Light.
Ticket prices start at $59.
The African elephant has the longest gestation period of any land mammal, lasting 18 to 22 months. This extended period allows for the development of the calf’s large brain and body.
The gestation period of the Naked Sun’s new album, “Mirror in the Hallway,” was even longer – 43 months. This extended period allowed for the development of the songs’ stories and melodies.
“Mirror in the Hallway” will officially see the light of day on January 30 in the East Falls section of Philadelphia.
The Naked Sun will release its second full-length on Friday evening with an “Album Release Celebration” at The Fallser Club (3721 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia, thefallserclub.com).
The Naked Sun formed in Philadelphia around the songwriting of Drew Harris, who blends lyrical Americana with the soaring guitar tones of longtime collaborator Tim Campbell. The band also features Dylan Mulcahy (drums), James Ashforth (electric guitar) and Tom Tusler (bass).
Known for their signature style of Americana with a cosmic twist, the band blends storytelling lyrics, jangly guitars, and cosmic textures into something equal parts dusty, psychedelic, and distinctly from Philadelphia.
“Mirror in the Hallway” is a collection of 10 original songs. The latest single, “Dreamin’,” follows singles “Mirror in The Hallway,” “Make Believe” and “Witches” — all released in 2025.
“It did take us a long time to make this album,” said Harris, during a phone interview Tuesday night from his home in the Point Breeze section of South Philly.
The band recorded the album at Miner Street Recordings in Philadelphia. The record was co-produced by Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey.
“We started sessions in June 2022 with ‘Witches’ as the first track,” said Harris. “That song was the first single and it’s the first song on the album. The album version is a lot different than what was released as a single a few years ago.”
The Naked Sun stayed in perfectionist mode the entire time.
“We were in and out of the studio – a weekend here and a weekend there,” said Harris. “This one took a while – for a lot of reasons.”
The band released the album on its own label — Reluctant Nudist Records – so there were no time restrictions, no deadlines.
According to Harris, “Recording this record took about three years — part scheduling, part writing, and part a promise we made to each other not to settle on anything.
“If something didn’t sound the way we wanted it to, we had to find a way to make it sound right. Some songs were born years ago and reshaped as we grew — as people, as a band, and as writers.”
As time went on, the songs developed clarity and then unity.
“Some of the themes were identity and relationships – symbolized by looking in mirrors,” said Harris. “It’s not a concept record – but it sort of is.”
According to Harris, “We didn’t set out to make a concept album, but somewhere along the way the songs started talking to each other.
“They became reflections of the same mirror, each one capturing a different version of who we are and what we’ve learned along the way.”
Hence the title – “Mirror in the Hallway.”
“I think that’s why we called it ‘Mirror in the Hallway’,” said Harris. “Each song feels like passing another reflection — sometimes distorted, sometimes honest, sometimes hopeful.
“The record is about self-examination, about seeing who you were and who you’re becoming at the same time.”
The album shows the evolution of a band which traces its origin back to an ad on Craig’s List that Harris posted in 2010 when he moved back to Philly from Baltimore in 2010.
“I grew up in South Jersey – in Gloucester City,” said Harris. “I got an undergrad degree in English from Mount St. Mary’s (Emmittsburg, Maryland) and then my master’s degree from Arcadia University (Cheltenham).
“After college, I was teaching in Falls Point in Baltimore. I moved back to Philly because I got a teaching gig at Audenried High School and I’ve been living in South Philly since 2010.”
The band’s fans will get to hear all of the album’s tracks at this weekend’s show.
“A lot of these songs haven’t been performed in front of an audience,” said Harris. “A lot of songs were put together in the studio – and they’ve evolved a lot.”
On the Facebook page of The Naked Sun, the band posted the following message – “Helping us mark the occasion are our very special guests Bitter Bitter Weeks — featuring Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey, who also co-produced the album.”
Video link for The Naked Sun – https://youtu.be/bzjO4WCLXoQ.The show at the Fallser Club on January 30 will start at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door.
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, www.uptownwestchester.org) will present Glen Tickle on January 30, Dan Tyminski on January 31, Rachel Harris on February 6 and 8 and Nellie McKay on February 7.
Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, http://www.kennettflash.org) is hosting Here Again, New Damage and Lowball on January 31.
Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, www.jameyshouseofmusic.com) will host Dustin Douglas and The Electric Gentlemen on January 30, the Alicia Maxwell Project on January 31 and The Philly Blues Kings with Clarence Spady on February 1.
Elkton Music Hall (107 North Street, Elkton, Maryland, www.elktonmusichall.com) will present Rust on January 30 and Bostyx on January 31.
