Creating Generations of Starlight Memories

Creating Generations of Starlight Memories

• Community
• 07/16/2026

"My brother John was working the day crew at Starlight through RVC, and he was the first one in our family to get involved," Noah Hill said.

"The following season, he brought me, Aaron and my dad into it. My first year was really our family's first year here."

For Noah Hill, Starlight Theatre has never been just a stage. It's where lifelong friendships were formed, artistic passions were nurtured, and family traditions continue to grow.

Hill first stepped onto the Starlight stage in 2007 at just nine years old.

Nearly two decades later, Starlight remains one of the most meaningful parts of his life.

"What keeps me coming back is the community," Hill said. "The joy of theater and the joy of performing. The joy of expressing yourself artistically, whether it's through comedy or powerful shows like Ragtime that really reach people and mean something. This space is just incredible to work in. Some of the best friendships of my life are because of this place. That's the magic of theater

This summer, Hill takes center stage as Nick Bottom in Something Rotten!, a role that perfectly matches his love of comedy, music, and dance.

"I play Nick Bottom. I love to tap," he said. "All the songs are a lot of fun musically. It's just a very fun show."

Beyond the show's humor, Hill sees himself in Nick's determination.

"He's very stubborn and extremely hard-headed," Hill laughed. "But his intentions are completely well intended. He wants to do something great. He wants to provide not just for himself, but for his wife, his future family and his brother."

That family connection extends beyond the script. Hill shares the stage with his older brother Aaron, who portrays Nick's younger brother Nigel and their dad plays Shylock. Aaron's wife Shelby plays Helena and ensemble and Peter's spouse Teddy is part of the bottoms troupe and ensemble. ." Noah's wife Lexi also last performed in Ragtime in 2025. Both of his parents are also in 1776. His dad plays Andrew McNair and mom plays col Thomas McKean.

The Hill family has long been known throughout the region for their creative talents. Brothers Aaron and T.J. Hill, both Rock Valley College Mass Communication alumni, have earned international recognition for their filmmaking, including having one of their short films selected for screening at the Cannes Film Festival. Aaron now works in communications and theater operations for Rockford Public Schools, while T.J. works in the technology field in Madison, Wisconsin.

For Noah, however, the heart of theater is found in the collaborative process.

"The rehearsal process has been a lot of theatrical playing around, figuring out what works and what doesn't," he said. "Obviously, we get the specifics about entrances and exits, but everything in between is exploring ideas. The creative team has been wonderful about letting us try things. It's been a lot of fun with a big cast of really hardworking people."

Hill hopes audiences leave Something Rotten! with more than just laughter.

"I hope people come away with the idea of staying driven and finding your passion," he said. "But also remembering to listen to the people around you. Sometimes you get so focused on what you're chasing that you don't see everything else happening around you. Keeping your loved ones close and listening to them is important because they have your best interests at heart."

Among his many Starlight memories, one role remains especially meaningful.

In 2020, Hill was cast as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid. Days before opening, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the production to close. Two years later, nearly the entire principal cast reunited to finally bring the show to life.

"It was more than just putting on a show," Hill said. "It was, 'We finally get to do this. We're finally here.' Working with my friend Brie, the incredible sets Chris designed, and seeing everything finally come together after waiting two years made it really special."

His Starlight journey has also included earning the coveted Robe Award for Anything Goes, where he created a tap-inspired design featuring metal tap plates arranged like a life preserver, a fitting tribute to one of Broadway's most dance-heavy musicals.

As Starlight Theatre celebrates its 60th anniversary this season, Hill sees the milestone as a testament to the people who have kept the tradition alive.

"It represents perseverance," he said. "The drive to keep it going and the passion of everyone who's been part of it over the last 60 years. It's become a monument to the city and something that's truly generational."

That legacy has now come full circle for Hill. After being introduced to Starlight by his parents, he's now sharing that same experience with his own children.

"I have two kids of my own now, and we've started bringing them into it," he said. "My oldest, Everett, was just in her first show recently."

For Hill, that's what makes Starlight special. It's more than productions and performance, it's a place where generations discover the joy of creating together, one curtain call at a time.

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