Together We Rise: A Season of Resilience and Hope in Northern Minnesota

In the quiet beauty of northern Minnesota, where forests meet lakes, life unfolds at a gentle pace. Here, something extraordinary is taking shape. The Northern Lakes Arts Association, a cultural cornerstone of the region, is unveiling its 2025 Broadway in the Boundary Waters season: Together We Rise. This ambitious and poignant season aims to resonate far beyond the confines of the stage.

A Journey of Resilience and Connection

Artistic Director Ian Francis Lah selects this season’s theme—resilience, hope, and connection—based on personal experience. “Theater is more than mere entertainment. It empowers, educates, and reminds us of our shared resilience,” he explains. “In a world that often feels fragmented, these stories highlight the courage required to heal and the strength found in community.”

The season features three bold productions: Matilda The Musical, Next to Normal, and Sister Act. Together, they weave a narrative that is both universal and intimate, exploring how humans confront adversity, find joy, and build connections.

Matilda The Musical: Small But Mighty

The season opens with Matilda The Musical, a vibrant adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale. It tells the story of a brilliant young girl who refuses to let injustice and neglect define her. Matilda Wormwood may be small, but her courage and determination are transformative—not just for herself, but for everyone around her.

Lah notes that Matilda offers insights into the resilience of children, who often face challenges with clarity and tenacity that adults sometimes lack. “Matilda reminds us that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear,” he emphasizes. “It’s about finding the strength to act despite it.” With its witty humor, imaginative staging, and unforgettable songs, Matilda is a family-friendly celebration of empowerment and audacious dreams.

Next to Normal: Confronting the Darkness

If Matilda showcases childhood courage, Next to Normal shifts the focus to the emotional terrain of adulthood. This Pulitzer Prize-winning musical centers on Diana Goodman, a mother battling bipolar disorder, and the ripple effects her mental health has on her family.

Raw and unflinching, Next to Normal dives into mental health with sensitivity often missing in mainstream entertainment. Its electrifying rock score underlines moments of pain, hope, and healing, creating a visceral experience for audiences. Lah, who shares his own mental health journey, believes this production is especially timely. “In a world that often stigmatizes vulnerability, Next to Normal reminds us that strength lies in asking for help, facing our pain, and seeking ways to move forward.”

Sister Act: Finding Joy in Unlikely Places

The season culminates with a jubilant burst of music and humor in Sister Act. This story of a nightclub singer-turned-convent-choir-director may seem unlikely, but its message of community and transformation fits perfectly within the season’s overarching themes.

“Sister Act is pure joy,” Lah expresses. “It’s about finding connection in unexpected places and realizing that community can change us for the better.” With Alan Menken’s infectious score and a story blending humor with heart, the production reminds us that even the most unlikely journeys can lead to profound personal growth.

The Threads that Unite Us

What unites these three productions is a shared belief in the transformative power of resilience, connection, and courage. In Matilda, we witness the bravery required to stand against injustice. In Next to Normal, we explore the healing found in facing life’s darkest truths. And in Sister Act, we celebrate the joy of discovering community in unexpected places.

“These stories remind us that, even in our most isolated moments, we are not alone,” Lah explains. “They show us that strength is not just an individual trait; it’s something built together as a community.”

The Power of Theater

The season underscores theater’s unique ability to reflect our lives. It encourages audiences not only to witness transformation on stage but also to consider their own challenges and triumphs. “Theater has the power to foster empathy,” Lah notes. “It allows us to see our struggles mirrored in someone else’s story, helping us feel less alone.”

As Together We Rise is about the stories being told on stage, it also highlights the individuals who bring these narratives to life. Local auditions will take place in March, inviting performers from diverse backgrounds to step into the spotlight. Rehearsals will now include evening sessions, making participation more accessible for those balancing work and family commitments.

“Community theater is precisely that— a community effort,” Lah emphasizes. “Whether you are an experienced performer or stepping on stage for the first time, there’s a spot for you here. Together, we create something larger than ourselves.”

Together We Rise is more than a mere collection of musicals—it is a call to action and a celebration of the indomitable human spirit. This season showcases our ability to rise above adversity, uncover strength in unity, and transform life’s struggles into stepping stones.

Tickets for the season will go on sale February 1. Lah hopes audiences will leave not just entertained but deeply moved. “This season is an invitation to laugh, cry, reflect—and, most importantly, to connect. That’s the magic of theater."

In northern Minnesota, Together We Rise shines as a prime example of how art can inspire hope and build bridges in challenging times.

As the lights dim and the curtain rises, one message resonates: In this cozy corner of the world, the arts are alive, thriving, and here to uplift us all.

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Theater has the power to foster empathy as it allows us to experience these profound moments together, ensuring that our connections remain strong, even in tough times.