When people think of Broadway, their minds go straight to New York City: bright lights, bustling streets, and blockbuster shows. But while the magic of Broadway is undeniable, the cost of enjoying it can be enough to make even the biggest theater fan pause. Take the new Broadway revival of Ragtime the Musical opening this month at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in New York City.

A typical night out in NYC might look something like this...  

  • Two orchestra tickets: $600+ 
  • Dinner before the show: $200 
  • Cocktails after: $60 ($30 each, if you’re lucky!) 
  • Taxi or rideshare across Manhattan: $50 
  • Hotel for the night (because you’re not catching that late train): $300+ 
  • Total: $1,200 (and that’s before souvenirs or brunch the next day). 


Ragtime Candlelight

Now compare that to Delaware’s own Candlelight Theatre, where Ragtime is set to run September 13 through October 26. For a fraction of the price, you get dinner and a show, no sticker shock, no hidden extras, and free parking too! Instead of balcony seats a football field away, you’re part of an intimate audience where every chair provides a VIP-like experience.  

A night out in Greater Wilmington looks like this...  

  • Two tickets to Ragtime at Candlelight (includes dinner for two!): $150  
  • Cocktails in town after the show: $30 
  • Parking: FREE  
  • Hotel (optional, boutique stay in Wilmington or Brandywine Valley): $200 
  • Total: $350–$500 (depending on if you stay overnight). 
     

That’s about a third of the cost for essentially the same quality of performance. Candlelight Theater’s performers are seasoned professionals, many with regional and national credits, who bring Broadway-caliber talent to an intimate stage. Ragtime CandlelightAudiences often remark that the level of acting, singing, and choreography rivals what you’d expect in New York, but with the bonus of a personal, welcoming atmosphere. 

And Ragtime is only the beginning. Candlelight’s 2025 season wraps up with the festive Christmas by Candlelight, and their 2026 lineup kicks off in January with the crowd-pleasing The Producers: The Musical. With more exciting productions planned throughout the year, it’s the perfect time to secure your seats and experience why this beloved theater has become a favorite for audiences across the region. Best of all, Candlelight is just 30 minutes from Philadelphia, Kennett Square, Media, PA, and Camden, NJ—making world-class entertainment closer than you think.  

So, if you’ve been dreaming of Ragtime but dreading the Broadway price tag, let Greater Wilmington surprise you. Candlelight Theatre is proof that you don’t have to travel far (or spend a fortune) to enjoy an unforgettable night at the theater. 

Photo Credit:  Tisa Della-Volpe

If you’re looking for even more Broadway fun without the Broadway costs, head to the Playhouse on Rodney Square inside the HOTEL DU PONT. The Playhouse is home to the traveling Broadway tours that stop right here in Wilmington. This season’s lineup includes: 

  • Mrs. Doubtfire – September 2025 
  • Miracle on 34th Street – December 2025 
  • The Book of Mormon – March 2026 
  • Kinky Boots – May 2026 
  • The Music Man – June 2026 

Why break the bank in New York when you can experience world-class performances right here in Northern Delaware? 

Whether it’s dinner-and-a-show at Candlelight Theatre, or a Broadway tour production at The Playhouse, Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley delivers Broadway magic without Broadway prices. Plus, you’ll have more room in your budget to explore our award-winning restaurants, gardens, museums, and boutique hotels, all just a short drive away. 

Plan your visit today and discover why Delaware’s arts scene is a hidden gem worth sharing.