Title: RENT
Dates: August 21 – September 6, 2026
Venue: Lakeside Playhouse
Tickets: Start at $25 Adult. Group rates 15+ tickets with advance notice
Times: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 7:30 pm. Sunday 2:30 pm
Description: Bold, raw, and unforgettable, Rent is a groundbreaking rock musical that follows a year in the lives of a group of young artists and friends struggling to survive and create in New York City’s East Village during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Loosely based on Puccini’s La Bohème, this Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is a powerful exploration of love, loss, identity, and community. With iconic songs like “Seasons of Love,” “La Vie Bohème,” and “Take Me or Leave Me,” Rent has become a cultural touchstone for a generation.
This production captures the urgency and hope of a group of voices that refuse to be silenced, living fully and loudly in the face of adversity.
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including opening announcements and intermission.
Content Advisory: This production contains mature themes, strong language, and drug references. No one under 18 will be admitted.
Credits: Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Special Offer: reserve seats on Opening night and enjoy the FirstNighters celebration! Includes a walk on the red carpet, happy hour in the lounge, light refreshments, and more.
Title: Tipsy Spelling Bee
Dates: May 9, 2026
Venue: Lakeside Playhouse
Tickets: Start at $15
Times: 7:30 pm
Description: Spelling has never been this entertaining… or this unpredictable.
Join Highlands Lakeside Theatre for a one-of-a-kind night out where words, wit, and a little liquid courage collide. Your evening begins in the bar, where you’ll enjoy a complimentary well drink included with your ticket. Then, you’ll be guided into the theatre for a Spelling Bee–inspired interactive improv event that is fast-paced, high-energy, and hilariously unfiltered.
Inspired by the spirit of Drunk Shakespeare, this adults-only experience invites audiences to sit back (or jump in) as performers take on spelling challenges, improv games, and unexpected twists that only get funnier as the night goes on.
After the show, keep the good times going. Our bar will remain open, and live music from Tony Toler & Erin will begin around 10 PM.
Whether you’re coming for the comedy, the cocktails, or the complete chaos, this is a night you won’t want to miss.
21+ only | One drink included | Full bar available
Run time: 6:30 – last call at 11:30
Title: Five Live Concert
Dates: May 22, 2026
Venue: Lakeside Playhouse
Tickets: Start at $15 adult, $10 youth
Times: 7:30 pm
Description: Get ready to be on your feet and dancing as 5Live takes over our Mainstage for one unforgettable night!
Featuring powerhouse performers Gary Johnson, Angie Saunders, Nelly Ford, Dawn Smith, and Tracy Schuknecht, this dynamic concert delivers a high-energy mix of popular hits from across the decades. Known for their incredible blended harmonies and standout solo moments, these HLT favorites create a musical experience that is as electrifying as it is entertaining.
Last year, audiences couldn’t stay in their seats, so this year, we’re taking it to the next level. We’ve moved the concert to our main auditorium to accommodate the excitement, and yes, there will be a dance floor, so come ready to show off your best moves!
Each artist has wowed audiences in past productions, and together, they bring a chemistry and energy that makes this concert truly special.
One night only. Dance floor open. Don’t miss the show everyone will be talking about
Join us for an evening of unforgettable music, high-energy performances, and pure fun—this is 5Live like you’ve never experienced before!
Credits: Produced by special arrangement with Five Live Productions
Title: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Dates: June 5 – 21, 2026
Venue: Lakeside Playhouse
Tickets: Start at $25 Adult, $15 Youth. Group rates 15+ tickets with advance notice
Times: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 7:30 pm. Sunday 2:30 pm
Description: Let the spelling and the hilarity begin! The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced, riotously funny musical that follows six awkward and endearing middle schoolers as they compete for the coveted title of spelling champion. Guided by a collection of equally quirky adults, the contestants share their hopes, fears, and stories through catchy songs and heartfelt moments that go far beyond the dictionary.
With improvisation, audience participation, and unexpected twists, this Tony Award-winning musical is a delightful celebration of youth, individuality, and the pressure to prove yourself, one word at a time.
Run Time: Approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes, including opening announcements.
Content Advisory: Includes some mature humor and themes. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Credits: Music and Lyrics by William Finn. Book by Rachel Sheinkin. Conceived by Rebecca Feldman. Additional Material by Jay Reiss.
Special Offer: reserve seats on Opening night and enjoy the FirstNighters celebration! Includes a walk on the red carpet, happy hour in the lounge, light refreshments, and more.