A Legacy in the Starlight Spotlight

A Legacy in the Starlight Spotlight

• Community
• 08/04/2026

For the Steins, one audition sparked a family tradition that's become a lasting part of Rock Valley College's Starlight Theatre.

A Theatrical Beginning
Emily Stein's introduction to Starlight began in 2004, when she auditioned for Show Boat with her mother and brother. It was her first time setting foot on Starlight stage, but it wouldn't be her last. "You just keep coming back," Emily says.

A few years later, Emily and Don met as castmates in college productions at Luther College, where they also started dating. Their partnership would thrive both on stage and in life, as their shared love of theatre followed them to Washington, D.C., and eventually back to Rockford.

Don's first encounter with Starlight began as an audience member, seeing Emily perform in After Dark. Their love story even included a Broadway proposal after seeing Godspell in New York. The musical has remained especially meaningful to them-they performed it together in college and later at Starlight, with Don portraying Jesus and Emily playing Joanna.

Don eventually joined the Starlight staff as associate producer, later becoming house and concession manager, deepening the family's connection to the theatre.

A Family Affair Onstage and Off
Emily has appeared in numerous Starlight productions over the years, from Show Boat and The Wizard of Oz to Godspell. Don has built an equally memorable résumé, including roles such as the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz and John Adams in this summer's 1776.

Their daughters Beth and Lily are now part of the next generation of the Starlight story, having performed in Ragtime and The Addams Family. Their youngest, Penny, hasn't taken the stage yet, but as the family puts it, "she likely won't be far behind."

This summer, the family theme continues: Don and Emily appear as John and Abigail Adams in 1776, while Beth and Lily bring the Addams ancestors to life on stage.

Memories in the Making
Ask the Steins about their most memorable Starlight moment, and they'll likely mention Starlight Express, a roller-skating musical that tested their balance and their nerves.

"Practicing roller skating for that show was a riot. We visited roller skating rinks and skate parks. The kids weren't even alive back then, but they can probably tell you all about it!" Emily laughs.

More recently, Ragtime marked the first show the family shared together, even if they didn't have scenes together. "It was fun to watch the kids make new friends," Emily remembers. This year's 1776 production is extra special: it's the first time Don and Emily play a married couple on stage, adding new meaning to their family's Starlight legacy.

A Unique Community
What sets Starlight apart for the Steins is its sense of community. "Most community theaters produce one show at a time; Starlight does four simultaneously," Don explained. "By necessity, there is a lot of 'unintentional community.' People from different walks of life spend lots of time around one another in shared spaces and grow into a happily dysfunctional sort of family."

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
As Starlight celebrates 60 years, the Steins are proud to be part of its history and its future. "Who doesn't want to be part of something bigger than themselves?" they reflect. "It's humbling to think that we contributed to something that has been around for 60 years, and that we are already helping hand it down to the next generation for another 60."

For the Steins, Starlight Theatre is more than a stage. It's a place where family, friendship, and tradition shine brightest season after season.

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