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Our
Story
In the beginning...
Starlighters II was founded in 1974 in Monticello, Iowa, when Ron Ketelsen, a Monticello high school student, saw a need for more opportunities for individuals to participate in live theatre in the Monticello area. He enlisted the support of Bob Furino, a student teacher at the elementary school where he was participating in a job shadowing project. The two teamed up, enlisted a third educator, Emil Prull, with a passion for the theatre, and Starlighters II Theatre was born. Their first production hit the boards in 1975.
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In February of 1978, the Anamosa Community Theatre joined Starlighters II, and since that time our theatre has become more regional. Today it's active membership covers over a six county area.
The award-winning Starlighters II Theatre celebrated its 50th season in 2024.
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Starlighters II is dedicated to bringing the best of live theatre to Eastern Iowa.
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Our theatre is a nonprofit organization that produces a wide spectrum of entertainment for the entire family. Not only do we provide entertainment, we give educational theatre related classes and host events throughout the year for patrons of all ages. We are most proud of our Young People's Theatre (YPT) Program that continues to grow more each year.
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Thank you for supporting our theatre, it wouldn't be possible without the support of our donors and patrons. Please consider making a contribution to Starlighters here.
Thank You
Sponsors!
Past Productions
The Games Afoot
Kitchen Witches
Buried Child
The Vagina Monologues
To Forgive Divine
The Wizard of Oz
Man of La Mancha
Guys and Dolls
2024
50 Years of Love Songs
Flanagan's Wake
The Big Five Oh!
Seussical
A Night of One Acts
Macbeth
Heroes vs Villains
Radio/Readers Show
All Through the Night
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2023
A Night of Suppressed Desires
Alice @ Wonderland
Red
The Games Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays
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2022
Julius Caesar 1969
Camelot
Lost Memories
The Wolves
Barefoot In The Park
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2021
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying
Driving Miss Daisy
Moonlight And Magnolias
2019
Clown Car
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Proposals
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
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2018
Kitchen Witches
The Miss Firecracker Contest
On Golden Pond
She Loves Me
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2017
The Odd Couple
Gigi
Inheritors
Christmas Dreams
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2016
Best of Enemies
Church Basement Ladies
Death Trap
Miracle on 34th Street
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2015
Galaxy of Stars Gala
A Year With Frog and Toad
Pride and Prejudice
The Gin Game
All Through the Night
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2014
The Devil's Disciple
State Fair
Of Mice and Men
FrUiTCaKeS
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2013
Night Sky
G2K Once Upon a Mattress
Fiddler on the Roof
Butterflies Are Free
It's a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play
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2012
Self-Help for Dummies
Brigadoon
Buried Child
The Sound of Music
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2011
The Last Five Years
None of the Above
Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth
Little Women
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2010
The Vagina Monologues
Coastal Disturbances
My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra
Nuts
Scrooge: The Musical
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2009
Forever Plaid
Harold and Maude
The Music Man
2009 Studio Showcase
White Christmas
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2008
A Doll's House
Private Lives
2008 Studio Showcase
Godspell
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2007
Hollywood Arms
City of Angels
Veronica's Room
The Season's Warmest Glow - A Holiday Spectacular
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2006
Some Enchanted Evening
Molly Sweeney
Cabaret
The Musical Murders of 1940
Oliver!
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2005
Bless Me, Father
Honk!
Proof
A Keepsake in the Likeness of Mark Twain
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2004
Morning's at Seven
Anything Goes
To Forgive Divine
Suessical!
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2003
Jake's Women
Little Shop of Horrors
Traveler in the Dark
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
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2002
Collected Stories
Crazy for You
An American Daughter
A Christmas Cactus
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2001
Sylvia
Once Upon a Mattress
Tomfoolery
Greetings
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2000
The Foreigner
A Star Ain't Nothin' But a Hole in Heaven
The Redwood Curtain
The Wizard of Oz
Sweeney Todd
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1999
Camping With Henry and Tom
The Last Night of Ballyhoo
1776
The Hobbit
The Fantasticks
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1998
Drop Dead!
Friday's Child
Another Night in Jones County
Wanna Play?!
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1997
Harvey
Man of La Mancha
'Night, Mother
Gift of the Magi
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1996
Opal's Million Dollar Duck
Steel Magnolias
The Music Man
Kindertransport
A Christmas Carol
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1995
The Boys Next Door
Approaching Zanzibar
The Secret Garden
Done to Death
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
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1994
A Bedfull of Foreigners
My Fair Lady
Noises Off
Nunsense
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1993
A...My Name is Alice
Bridge to Terabithia
Guys and Dolls
Rumors
Starlighters II Christmas Treasures