Starlighters honors 45 years of history


“Mr. Starlighters,” Bob Furino, was one of the founding fathers of the Jones County community theater. Furino wishes to see Starlighters continue to hold true to its mission and vision statements, forcing people to think as they take in a production.

Jason Stover is honored for his longevity with Starlighters II Theatre, as well as the 56 productions under his belt. (Photos by Kim Brooks)

Highlighting one of the 2020 productions “Driving Miss Daisy” are husband and wife duo Heather and Kevin Sims.

The audience takes in a snippet from “Arsenic and Old Lace,” which will be on the Starlighters’ stage in 2020. Offering their talents are Annie Locher, Dawn Marek and Cael Joens.
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

It was a night of remembering the history and ‘looking forward’ toward the future. 

On Sept. 7, many gathered at the United Church of Monticello to look back at 45 years of Starlighters II Theatre in Jones County. Several original players were on hand to reminisce about the community theater, which got its start in Monticello in 1974. After dinner and a short program, attendees were treated to snippets of the upcoming shows for 2020. 

Monticello High School student Ron Ketelsen and student teacher Bob Furino of Monticello came together in the mid-1970s to brainstorm a way for people in the community to enjoy theater. They brought their ideas to teacher Emil Prull, who was part of Monticello Starlighters in the ‘50s. Meeting in Prull’s living room in the ‘70s, eight founding members (two high school students, four Monticello teachers, and two employees of The Monticello Express) came up with what is now Starlighters II Theatre. 

Polly Chalstrom, a Starlighters’ veteran, was the evening’s emcee. She introduced several Starlighters’ pioneers who sat at the head table: Charlotte Scheckel, Jason Stover, Tom Hoffman, Jan Hoag, Steve Nassif, and Bob Furino, whom she referred to as “Mr. Starlighters.” 

“Our theme for this 45th anniversary celebration is ‘Looking Forward.’ But we don’t want to forget those who were instrumental in forging the very foundation of Starlighters,” said Chalstrom. 

Hoag and Hoffman both directed and acted in numerous Starlighters productions through the years. They volunteers for various committees as well. 

Hoag and Ketelsen worked together to direct the Bicentennial show “This Land is Your Land” in 1976. 

“Both Tom and Jan explained, ‘In the old days, we did everything: directing, acting, set work, programs, makeup, costumes, even cooking for the dinner theater,’” read Chalstrom. “Many thanks for your work then and for your continued support through the years and in the years ahead.” 

Two recognitions were given out during the evening: Jason Stover and Bob Furino. 

“As ticket sales continued to be a major source of income for the theater, you could label this next guest one of our top revenue makers,” hinted Chalstrom. 

Stover has been with Starlighters almost since its inception and has acted in 56 productions, not mention all of the back-stage work he’s done as well. 

Chalstrom described Furino as “one of the first two dreamers” of Starlighters. “He never blinks an eye at offering financial help.” 

Furino read aloud Starlighters’ mission statement and vision for all to hear. 

“Produce excellent live theater through ongoing education of actors and directors.” 

“With a focus core of acting and directing, Starlighters II Theatre produces a wide variety of productions from several genres that educate and entertain the public while exposing them to the full spectrum of the human experience. Each production offers learning opportunities to each individual regardless of age, background or experience in a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere that encourages ensemble building.” 

From the beginning of theater in Greece, Furino said it was a mirror of real life, a mirror of civilization. 

“You’d see all the negatives and positives about yourself and society as a whole,” he said. “It’s about making people think and analyze. As I watch our country today, those things are going away really fast.” 

For the future of Starlighters “looking forward,” Furino hopes to see continued commitment, loyalty to the community theater, and a focus on the mission and vision. 

Kevin Sims, who serves on the Board of Directors and Artistic Committee, said he sees nothing but greatness for Starlighters in the future. He said the people involved in the theater, the people coming through the door, and the people supporting the organization want nothing but the best. 

“We are going to continue to strive and adhere to our mission. We are going to continue to improve upon reaching that vision. And with everyone’s help, there is no reason why we wouldn’t,” Sims said. 

The evening concluded with a tease of Starlighters’ upcoming “Proposals” starring John Croschek, Emily Burds and Kathryn Williams. 

They also announced the line-up for 2020: 

• “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” 

• “Calamity Jane” 

• “Driving Miss Daisy” 

• “Arsenic and Old Lace” 

For more on how to purchase tickets and the latest Starlighters news, visit www. starlighters.org. 

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