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: College Girls
Dates: April 24 – 26, 2026
Venue: Lakeside Playhouse
Tickets: Start at Adult $20, Youth $15
Times: Friday & Saturday 7:30 pm, Sunday 2:30 pm
Description: Step into the first year of college like you’ve never seen it before!
In this original work by Laura Byron Wade, a group of young women from HLT brings to life the highs and lows of freshman year, navigating new friendships, unexpected challenges, personal victories, magical moments, and plenty of laugh-out-loud situations along the way. Honest, heartfelt, and relatable, this story captures the excitement and uncertainty of finding your place in a whole new world.
Whether you’re reminiscing about your own college days or getting a glimpse of what’s ahead, this production offers a little something for everyone.
NOTE: Table seating is available for groups of four and is unassigned. Parties with fewer than four may be seated with other guests.
Join us for an evening of storytelling, connection, and a touch of nostalgia!
Content Advisory: May contain mature themes and some strong language. Best suited for teen and adult audiences.
Credits: Written by Laura Byron Wade.
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.
Title: Youth Talent Show Registration
Ages: Fifth grade to 20 years old
Deadline: April 17
Fee: $10
Description: Do you have a talent you’re ready to share? Step into the spotlight at Highlands Lakeside Theatre’s Youth Talent Show! We’re inviting young performers from across our community to showcase their skills in a fun, supportive, and high-energy environment.
Every registered participant will receive one complimentary admission to enjoy the show, whether or not they are selected to perform.
Whether you sing, dance, act, perform magic, play an instrument, or have a unique talent all your own, we want to see it. Don’t miss your chance to take the stage, share your talent, and be part of an unforgettable event at HLT!
Title: Youth Talent Show
Dates: May 1, 2026
Venue: Thakkar Theatre
Tickets: $20 adult, $15 youth
Times: 7:30 pm
Description: Our young performers are taking the stage for Highlands Lakeside Theatre’s very first Youth Talent Show! Join us as we celebrate their hard work and cheer them on while they share their incredible talents.
Featuring participants from 5th grade through age 20, this exciting event showcases a wide range of performances, from singing and dancing to comedy, instrumental music, and more.
Each performer has been carefully selected through an audition process, creating a standout lineup you won’t want to miss.
Fan-o-grams will be available for purchase during the show, so you can show your support and celebrate your favorite performer in a special way!
Come support these rising stars and experience an unforgettable evening of local talent!
Title: The Last Five Years
Dates: March 27 – April 12, 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: An emotionally powerful and intimate musical, The Last Five Years tells the story of a five-year relationship between Jamie, a rising novelist, and Cathy, a struggling actress—told from two distinct timelines. Cathy’s journey begins at the end of the relationship and moves backward, while Jamie’s starts at the beginning and moves forward. Their stories intersect only once, in the middle, on their wedding day.
With an unforgettable score that blends contemporary musical theatre with pop and jazz influences, Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown crafts a deeply personal look at love, ambition, and the passage of time.
Run Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including opening announcements.
Content Advisory: Contains mature themes and some strong language. Best suited for teen and adult audiences.
Credits: Music, Lyrics, and Book by Jason Robert Brown
Special Offers: 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.