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2026
Shows &
Concerts

Evening Performance

Matinee Performance

Pay-What-You-Can Performance

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OKLAHOMA!:

Where love, land, and community collide.

Bright skies. Deep roots. Real tension.


Oklahoma! is more than a classic, it’s a musical about who gets to belong, how communities are built, and what it costs to choose love over fear.

 

With sweeping music and richly human characters, this production invites audiences to rediscover a familiar story with fresh eyes and deeper meaning.

Week 1:

Week 2:

Oklahoma
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Jesus Christ Superstar:

A story you think you know, told in a way you’ve never felt.

Raw. Urgent. Electrifying.


Jesus Christ Superstar strips the story down to its human core, power, doubt, devotion, and betrayal, driven by a legendary rock score.

 

This is not a distant biblical tale. It’s a bold, visceral exploration of leadership, belief, and what happens when movements collide with humanity.

Week 1:

Week 2:

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Newsies Jr.

The newsboys are ready to fight back.

Disney’s Newsies Jr. tells the story of a group of young newspaper sellers who rise up against unfair conditions and discover the power of community, leadership, and using their voices to create change.

Now, after an intensive two-week rehearsal process with the professional Broadway in the Boundary Waters company, the young artists of Stars of the North Youth Theater bring this beloved musical to life on the Vermilion stage.

Expect big dance numbers, bold storytelling, iconic songs, and a cast of local youth performers ready to seize the day.

This isn’t just a theater camp performance. It’s a fully staged musical built in only two weeks.

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Mean Girls 

On Wednesdays, we wear pink.

Mean Girls High School Version follows Cady Heron as she navigates the wild world of high school cliques, popularity, friendship, and identity after moving from Africa to suburban Illinois.

Funny, sharp, and packed with iconic moments, this youth production was built in just three weeks alongside the professional Broadway in the Boundary Waters company and features an incredible cast of local young performers.

Whether you know the movie by heart or are seeing the story for the first time, Mean Girls High School Version brings big laughs, huge musical numbers, and fearless energy to the Vermilion stage.

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Zarja Fest

Celebrate Slovenian heritage at Zarja Fest, a full day of music, dancing, cultural activities, outdoor recreation, and community connection at the Minnesota Discovery Center. Enjoy live performances, polkas, singing, genealogy research, topical talks, picnicking, and more, all in one unforgettable day.

Northern Lakes Arts Association Ticket Policy

At Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA), we strive to provide an enjoyable and accessible theatre experience for all patrons. Please review our ticket policies below before purchasing.

General Ticket Policies

  • All Sales Are Final – Tickets are non-refundable.

  • Ticket Exchanges – Tickets may be exchanged for another performance of the same production, subject to availability. A $5 exchange fee applies, which is waived for NLAA members. Exchanges must be requested at least 24 hours before the scheduled performance.

  • Late Seating – Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the house manager and may be placed in designated areas to minimize disruption.

  • Inclement Weather Policy – Performances will proceed as scheduled unless deemed unsafe. In the event of a cancellation, ticket holders will be contacted regarding rescheduling or credit options.

  • Accessibility Accommodations – We are committed to making our performances accessible. If you require accommodations, please contact us in advance to ensure we can best meet your needs.

Pay What You Can Nights

  • Tickets for Pay What You Can performances start at a minimum of $5.

  • Patrons may contribute any amount above the minimum, with full-price ticket purchases helping to support theatre accessibility for others.

  • Limited at-the-door tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • No refunds apply to Pay What You Can tickets, and standard ticket exchange policies remain in effect.

Group Sales & Special Discounts

  • Group Discounts – Special rates may be available for groups of 10 or more. Contact us for details.

If you have any questions please reach out via email at Contact@northernlakesarts.org or by calling 218-235-9937

Vermilion Fine Arts Theater Seating Chart

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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

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.

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.

And if we have accidentally missed your name in this listing, please let us know so we can properly recognize your support.

To make a gift or update your information, click the button below

Thank you for helping keep the arts alive in Ely.
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