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Can the Show Go On?

When the Three Little Bakers Dinner Theatre closed, it was the end of an era. Was it the end of a legacy, too?

(page 8 of 8)

The Family Moved On.

Some family members have retired. Some have left the state. All of the Immediatos struggled to adjust to a universe outside the Pike Creek complex, a place they never thought they’d be.

Winton works at Sweet Christine’s Bakery in Kennett Square. Her younger brother, Carl, has his own IT business. Her husband, Bob Winton, ran banquets at TLB and does the same at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. Nick’s daughter, Eva Rose, and her husband, Jim Rose, the former golf course manager, live in Tennessee. Jim manages a school cafeteria. Eva is starting a culinary mail order business.

“Life goes on,” says Winton.

So does the legacy, says Carla Markell. “It stays with all of us who grew up enjoying shows at Three Little Bakers.”

That’s part of the message the second Immediato generation wants to express to the first. The other part is that success is measured many ways.

“You don’t find happiness in a job or in a building or in a bank account,” says Winton. “A legacy is measured by the number of people whose lives you made better. It’s measured by having a family that respects you and loves you. My father and Nick have that in spades.”

Repeat those words to Hugo Sr. and he manages a smile. He may be riding a roller coaster of emotions these days, but he’s trying to see the silver lining.

“We just want our children to lead good lives like we did,” Hugo Sr. says. “I guess by comparison, when you realize how blessed we are as a family, the theater isn’t as important.”

Then he pauses.

“But we did have a pretty good run.”