Starlighters offers ‘Valentine’s Cabaret,’ Saturday, Feb. 12

     Starlighters Theatre II in Anamosa is offering people a chance to enjoy live music over the Valentine’s Day weekend.

     Tickets are still available for “A Valentine’s Day Cabaret” on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m.

     The event is being organized by Janet Bergman, who’s been the musical director for 10 different productions at Starlighters. She was seen behind the scenes either playing piano or providing background vocals.

     “People don’t know my face because I was in the background as an accompanist,” she said.

     Bergman said she has a passion for live music versus canned music, which is why she’s enjoyed performing live music for so many Starlighters’ shows.

     The Valentine’s event at Starlighters will feature various types of musical performances.

     “It’s about love lost and love found,” hinted Bergman.

     Having hand-picked the performers, Bergman will emcee the evening’s festivities.

     “I know talent,” she said.

     There will be some solo performances, tunes from the piano, and group numbers as well.

     “You’ll just have to come and see…” teased Bergman. “It’ll be like musical theater, old and new, with a few jazz-tinged numbers.”

     Attendees are encouraged to show up by 7 p.m. and enjoy some light refreshments beforehand. There will be a musician performing in the lobby prior to the main act.

     Bergman was given the opportunity to take on the Valentine’s Cabaret back in November.

     “I wear my heart on my sleeve,” she admitted of herself and a reason why she took on the leadership role. “A lot of who I am is music and theater.”

     She warns attendees to plan for an hour and a half of musical entertainment.

     “I was always told to never have a program last longer than people are comfortable for,” she joked of wise words passed down. “I want people to be comfortable.”

     People can expect to see familiar faces performing, those who have graced the Starlighters’ stage before, as well as local area musicians.

     “It’s not just those who have graced the stage, but also some professionals,” offered Bergman of the performers. “I have lots of connections.”

     In fact, Bergman’s own daughter, Katharine Bergman, who’s been with Starlighters since 2011, will also be performing.

     “She’s the one who brought me into Starlighters,” recalled Bergman.

     The mother-daughter duo worked together on “Miracle on 34^th Street,” with Katharine directing and her mother working as musical director.

     “It was a great collaboration,” she said fondly.

     The two have also worked together to offer a children’s theater camp at Starlighters.

     Tickets for A Valentine’s Day Cabaret are $10 each. Tickets can be purchased through the box office.

     “It’s open to singles and couples,” offered Bergman of the adult atmosphere that night. “We encourage advanced ticket sales.”

     Bergman said she’s had tremendous help on this event from several associated with Starlighters and long-time volunteers.

     “It’s a privilege to do this work,” she said of her passion. “As volunteers, we all love what we do, we love the community, and we’re always looking for talent in all areas of the theater.”

     For more information, contact Starlighters at 319-462-4793.