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Starlight Extravaganza By: Hope Menken

Starlight Extravaganza (Starlight) is a Christmas Cabaret Dinner Theatre that combines elegant dining and music inspired by Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where waitresses and waiters sing, in New York City.

            This event is put on by the HSU Theatre Department every even year to fundraise for upcoming trips. Several students were able to travel to and perform at the Fringe Festival in Scotland this past August through this event. This time, the theatre students set their sights on taking on New York in the summer of 2026. 

Starlight Extravaganza will be held on the stage of Van Ellis Theater on Dec. 7. Doors open at 6 p.m., and dinner will start  at 6:30 p.m. HSU’s theater students will provide the dinner service and entertainment. 

         The students will perform a variety of musical selections throughout the course of the evening including songs from “White Christmas” and “Elf” as well as songs such as “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and “Santa Baby.” The menu for the evening consists of Caesar salad, roast pork tenderloin with plum sauce, rosemary potatoes, green beans almondine and a choice of either chocolate cream pie or carrot cake. 

While there is not a set dress code for the event, Starlight is an elegant occasion and Sunday best is recommended. While open to everyone, this event is not recommended for young children. All attendants must reserve a seat or table by Dec. 2. Tables with four to six seats are available for $220-350 and individual seats are $65. Each table is themed after a musical and may be chosen at the time of ticket purchase. Tickets are available through the HSU Department of Theatre page on the HSU’s website, through the HSU Theatre Department Facebook or Instagram page, or you may call 325-670-1405. 

“We are blessed at HSU to give our students several opportunities to gain real-world experiences through travel. Attending this event directly supports a student's education while also enjoying a memorable evening. Dr. Victoria Spangler, artistic director and associate professor of theatre said. This intimate evening promises to be filled with energy and excitement. Guests will enjoy a musical journey of Christmas favorites while enjoying a delicious meal. 

The HSU Theatre Department is pleased to invite you to attend Starlight Extravaganza and hopes to see you there.


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