Highland Stage celebrates its anniversary with a cabaret

HIGHLAND LAKES — Highland Stage is holding a cabaret fundraiser at The Hidden Valley Ski Resort Saturday, May 16 at 6 p.m. The event marks the 10th anniversary of its Youth Troupe under the direction of Heather Burns and Faith Anderson. The Highland Stage was formed in 1997 by William Donald, former producer of the company. In 1999, the Youth Troupe was started by Heather Burns to give opportunity for kids “to have an outlet for their creativity,” according to officials. The first Youth Troupe production had 10 cast members. Since that time the program has grown, with last summer’s show having 50 cast members, 10 crew members and an orchestra of 18. Because the company has no permanent residence and relies on borrowed spaces for storage, rehearsals and performances, fundraisers are important to keep the company going, officials said. “We all know that the economy is struggling right now,” said Burns, “and the first cuts are usually in the arts. The Youth Troupe has grown so much in the past 10 years and has meant so much to so many families that I would hate for us to get to a point where we can no longer afford to offer this program to the community.” There will be a full pasta dinner, with three choices, salad, dessert and soda as well as a cash bar. Troupe members from the past 10 years will be performing highlights from its past shows. The entire cast of last summer’s “Guys and Dolls” musical will be perform a number. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under, with reservations due by May 10. Checks for tickets or donations can be mailed to The Highland Stage, P.O. Box 166, Highland Lakes, 07422. Call 973-271-7853 for more information.