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NLAA
Archive

Welcome to our show archive! While have proudly existed since 1986, our digital collection only dates back a certain number of years. We are continually working to update and expand our archive as time allows, ensuring you have access to a rich history of our shows. Thank you for your understanding and support!

Annie

March 20-29, 2026 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed  by Ian Francis Lah

Music Direction: Becca Olson

Scenic Design by Ian Francis Lah

Lighting Design by Nick Holtz

Costumes by Megan Olson and Ian Francis Lah

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A Christmas Carol

December 12-21, 2025  at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed  by Carly Wogen

Music Direction/Scenic Design/Lighting Design by Ian Francis Lah

Costumes by Laurie Kess​

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Water 2.0

August 8th-10, 2025at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed  by Molly Olson

Music Direction by Karin Schmidt

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Sister Act

July 17-27, 2025  at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed  by Eric Fredrickson

Choreographed and Designed by Ian Francis Lah

Assistant Director and Music Direction by Molly Hill Fuller

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Next to Normal

June 16-29, 2026 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed  and Designed by Ian Francis Lah

Assistant Director and Music Direction by Molly Hill Fuller

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Matilda

March 27  - April  6 , 2025 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed  and Designed by Ian Francis Lah

Choreographed by Noah Warner and Ian Francis Lah

Orchestral Direction by Karl Kubiak

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Every Brilliant Thing

January 16  - February 2 , 2025 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed by Eric Fredrickson

Designed by Eric Fredrickson and Ian Francis Lah

Assisted by Paolo Pineda and Eli Moseley 

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Romeo and Juliet

January 10 - 23  at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed by Ian Francis Lah

Designed by Ian Francis Lah

Intimacy and Fight Choreography  by Eric Fredrickson

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Elf The Musical

December 12 - 21, 2024 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed by Ian Francis Lah

Designed by Ian Francis Lah

Choreographed by Ian Francis Lah and Megan Wind

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Constant Changes

August 16, 17, and 18, 2024  at Ely's Historic State Theater

Directed by Molly Olson

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Reflections Dance Company - Northern Lakes Arts Association

Into The Woods

July 18 - 28, 2024 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed and Designed by Ian Francis Lah

Choreography by Hannah and Bekah Peterson

Puppets by Jane Dandron Holtz

Intimacy and Fight Choreography by Eric Fredrickson

Music Direction by Karin Schmidt

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Bright Star

June 20-30, 2024 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed and Designed by Ian Francis Lah

Choreography by Hannah and Bekah Peterson

Intimacy and Fight Choreography by Eric Fredrickson

Music Direction by Molly Hill Fuller

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The Last Five Years

June 7 - 9, 2024 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed by Ian Francis Lah and Molly Hill Fuller

Designed by Ian Francis Lah

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Fiddler On The Roof

March 14 -23, 2024 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed and Designed by Ian Francis Lah

Choreography by Megan Wind

Costumes by Laurie Kess

Music Direction by Karin Schmidt

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God Of Carnage

November 17-19, 2023 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed and Designed by Ian Francis Lah

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Matters of the Heart

August 11-13,2023 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed by Molly Olson

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Songs for a New World

Spring 200 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

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Godspell

June 22 - July 1, 2023 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed and Designed by Ian Francis Lah

Choreography by Ian Francis Lah

Music Direction by Karin Schmidt​

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Little Shop of Horrors

March 23 - April 1, 2023 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed by Laurie Kess

Costumes by Katie Kopp

Designed by Ian Francis Lah

Puppets by Jane Dandron Holtz

Music Direction by Marcia Homer​

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A Night At The Theater

November 4 & 5, 2022 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed and Designed by Ian Francis Lah

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Math in Motion

August 11-14, 2022 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

Directed by Molly Olson

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My Fair Lady

Spring 2004 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

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Amahl and the Night Visitors

Winter 2000  at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

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Carousel

Spring 2000 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

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A Christmas Carol

Winter 1998 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

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Brigadoon

Spring 1998 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

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Fiddler on the Roof 

Spring 1997  at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat

Spring 1996 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

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Where Will the Arts Take You?

At Northern Lakes Arts Association, every program is a doorway into Ely’s vibrant Rural Arts Ecosystem. Choose your path below and see what inspires you most:

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MainStage Productions

Experience unforgettable theater, concerts, and dance performances that set the standard for artistic excellence in Ely.

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Northern Lakes Arts Academy

Grow your skills through workshops, camps, and hands-on mentorship for artists of all ages.

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Community Arts & Events

Connect with neighbors through inclusive programs, local showcases, and celebrations that bring the arts to everyone.

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Northern Lakes Arts Association 

1900 East Camp Street, Ely, Mn 55731
218-235-9937
Contact@NorthernLakesArts.Org
EIN: 36-3485240

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2026 Donors and Sponsors

Legacy Circle Members
Recognizing individuals whose enduring generosity has helped shape and sustain Northern Lakes Arts Association over time. This circle reflects long-term impact and may include supporters who prefer not to list a public giving amount.

Catherine Aldrich

Kari Wenger

Anonymous

Season Sponsors ($1500+)

Boundary Waters Connect

Brainstorm Bakery

Ely Outfitting Company 

Motel Ely

Sherpa

The Boathouse

Barb & Laverne Dunsmore

Insula

The Vermilion Campus Foundation

DiAnn White

Bernie & Kari Dusich

Holly Rom

Lindsey Lang

Larry & Catherine Bogolub

Jamie & Cindy Gardner

Joe & Mary Bianco

Raven Words Press

Firefly Antiques

Anonymous x2

Gold Level Donors ($1000+)

Alanna Dore

Bridgette Sundell

Carrie Bezak

Caroline Owens

David & Kathleen Miller

Heidi Buettner

Mary Louise Icenhour

Nancy Piragis

Paul & Sue Schurke

Roger & Nancy Benjamin

Rusty & DiAnn White

Sarah Wigdahl-Vollom

Sue Duffy & Linda Ganister

Virgie & The Ivancich Family

River Point Resort & Outfitting Co.

Minnesota Public Radio

Silver Level Donors ($500+)

Al Gerhardstein & Mimi Gingold

Alanna Dore

Brian Batzli

Carolyn & Keith Dehnbostel

Christine Stevens

Ely Auto

Karen McManus

Katie Heitzig

Jan Carey​​

Kristine & Krista Woerhide

Laura Myntti

Norma McKinnon

Pamela Saunders

Sheldon Damberg

Steven & Mona Johnson

Tim Deyak

Town of Morse

Troy West

Bronze Level Donors ($250+)

Albert & Karen Maddern

Andrea Landro-Pike

Ann Spitler

Bear Island Realty

Brian Krause

Darlene Nemanich

Dave & Rene Settergren

David & Michelle Young

Ely Flower and Seed

Frandsen Bank & Trust

Grand Ely Lodge

Glenda Harbaugh

James Montana III

Karl Kubiak

Kathleen & Byron Anderson

Linda Carlson

Log Cabin Coffee

Mindy Shulfer

Nancy Sorjanen

Mrs. Pamela Kearney

Piragis Northwoods
Raven’s Wing B&B

Rebecca Nova

Roberta Klar

Sue Germek
Sue & Wayne Pasmick

The individuals , businesses and families listed above help make Northern Lakes Arts Association possible. Their generosity supports artists, youth programs, and live performances that bring our community together.

If you would like to join this circle of supporters, we welcome you.
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And if we have accidentally missed your name in this listing, please let us know so we can properly recognize your support.
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To make a gift or update your information, click the button below
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Thank you for helping keep the arts alive in Ely.
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