First-ever Starlight Extravaganza Benefits Theatre Department

Tables decorated with glass slippers, chandeliers, masks and witch’s hats filled Van Ellis Theatre on March 5 for the Starlight Extravaganza. The fundraising event treated guests to theatrical entertainment in a night filled with songs, laughter, and food. 

Theatre professor Dr. Victoria Spangler shared some insight into the new event. “Starlight Extravaganza was an effort to begin a travel fund for the HSU Theatre Department,” she said. “This coming August, theatre students will travel to Scotland and perform in the Fringe Theatre Festival, and all proceeds from the Starlight event will benefit the students.”

Throughout the evening, theatre students alternately served various tables and performed onstage while guests were eating.  Musical selections ranged from “Les Miserables” and “Little Shop of Horrors” to “Chicago” and “Wicked,” among many others.  

“Our theatre and stage was transformed into a giant dinner theatre, with elegant decorations, a superb and beautifully served three course meal, star-quality lighting, and extraordinary entertainment,” she said.  

Each table across the floor was decorated with a certain musical theme.  Guests sitting at the “Phantom of the Opera” table were treated to a miniature chandelier and exquisite, tiny decorations like red roses and music notes.  Other tables included a sparkling crystal tiara, a tiny fairy garden, layers of colored sand in bottles, and a beautiful, old violin.  There were sixteen tables in all.

Spangler called the event “a chance for our students and patrons to establish a personal connection.  For the first effort, it was very successful.  We hope this will become an annual event.”

Vocal coaching for the event was done by Dr. Melody Rich, Dr. Chris Hollingsworth, and Dr. Lynnette Chambers. Pianists were Marc and Abigail Sanders.