Cape Charles Art and Theater icon Sheila Cardano passed away peacefully on the morning of May 27th. She was just shy of her 100th birthday.
A London-born professional actress and playwright, Sheila was a driving force in bringing the fine arts to the people of the Lower Eastern Shore. As a producer, director, writer, and actor, she was an integral part of the birth and life of the Historic Palace Theatre.
Under her direction as an innovator, teacher, and mentor, Arts Enter and the Palace Theater flourished. Cardano was critical in bringing to life the seminal Eastern Shore historical play Piece of Eden, and her dedication and talent filled the Palace stage with life, comedy, tragedy, and magic for many years.
Along with her daughter Clelia Sheppard, Sheila helped Arts Enter produce over 60 plays for both adults and children. Over the years, she introduced hundreds of students to the world of drama.
A prolific writer, she not only wrote many plays, but also prose, including the wonderful Tail of a Squirrel and Other Tales: Stories for Children.
A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday at noon at St. Charles Catholic Church.
About the Author
My most sincere condolences to the bereaved family members of Sheila Cardano. She single-handedly caused my husband, the late David Glowacki, to flourish as an artist, both with his computer graphics posters and scenery for her plays, as well as his photography. Our involvement with the Palace Theater caused us to move from our home in Virginia Beach to our own “Piece of Eden” in Nassawadox on the Eastern Shore. By far, David’s most memorable poster was for Sheila’s play “Piece of Eden!” Mrs. “C”, as David liked to call her, was not only a mentor to David but also became a very good friend to the both of us. I am honored to have 2 of her books, both autographed. My heart goes out to Clelia Cardano Sheppard and Luisa Cardano, Gazzolo, and to the extended family members. Sheila touched the very hearts and souls of so many people and she will be loved and missed by them all.