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2026
Shows &
Concerts

Evening Performance

Matinee Performance

Pay-What-You-Can Performance

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OKLHOMA!:

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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Dancing with the Ely Stars 2026

The 4th annual Dancing with the Ely Stars Fundraiser on Friday, April 17 at Washington Auditorium will be an event to remember!

 

The event features local talent onstage promoting the arts in Ely.

 

Couples will vie for the coveted trophy as they perform various dance styles for your entertainment.

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Fire! 

Reflection Dance Company's Spring Showcase

Friday, May 1 at 7 PM 

Vermilion Fine Arts Theater

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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+)

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

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+)

Kathleen & Byron Anderson
Bear Island Realty
Linda Carlson
Sue Germek
Grand Ely Lodge
Glenda Harbaugh
Mrs. Pamela Kearney
Roberta Klar
Brian Krause
Karl Kubiak

Andrea Landro-Pike

Albert & Karen Maddern
James Montana III
Darlene Nemanich
Rebecca Nova
Sue & Wayne Pasmick
Piragis Northwoods
Raven’s Wing B&B
Dave & Rene Settergren
Mindy Shulfer
Ann Spitler
David & Michelle Young

Patrons of the Arts ( $125+)

Barbara & Bill Godlin

Brian & Kathy Dahlin

Cathy Bell

Corrie & Andrew McKibbon

Debbie & Bill Erzar

Dolores Delaney

Elizabeth LePlatt

Elizabeth Vosburgh

Ellen & Emily Roose

Elton & Emily Brown

Eric & Ria Jokela

John Eckfeldt & Nancy Schultz

Julie Lucas

Julie Nester

Kathy Neiman

Mark & Laurie Cramer 

Mike Gilgosch and Linda Sutton 

Marguerite Ahola 

Mary Zupancich

Nancy Keller

Nancy Sorganen

Pam Ransom

Pat Zupancich

Ruth Reha Lah

Sharon Friedler

Sue Remes

Tom & BJ Kobierski

Anonymous x2

Friends of NLAA (Up to $124)

Alan and Nancy Andrea
Benjamin Anderson
Elizabeth M. Anderson
Carla Arneson
John Arisensi
Harry Avila

Zachary Barry
Patricia Bartlett
Ellen Bernardson
Adam Bisbee
Joe and Mary Bianco
Patricia Bieber
Ann Bock

Autumn Campbell
Deb Campbell
Carole Carlson-Bursch
Justine Carlson
Laura Carlson Keely
Autumn Cole

Richard Davis
Shayshay Degagne
Brad Dekkers
Linda O’Neil Deremee
Carolyn Dehnbostel
Celia Domich
Ruthie Dixon
Dean Dewberry
Diane Toms
Dollie O’Neill
Daniel MacCoy
Debbie Mackie
David O’Donnell

Nancy Edson
Kathy and Don Ellerton
Elizabeth Engelman
Jan Erchul

Stephen Field
Jackie Fischer
Tara Forsman
Anna-Lena Forsman
Mary Kay Fortier

Jean Green
Jan Guerin
Barb Gipple

Rebecca Katz Harwood
Bethany Hway
Johnna Hyde
Phil Hyde
Todd & Meg Heiman
Alison Hoffman
Paula Hill

Bob and Jude Jalonen
Robert Jalonen
Anne Johnson
Jane Johnston

Patricia Katauskas
Nancy Keller
Peter Keely
Laurie & Paul Kess
David Kess and Sally Koski
Grace Klein
Marian Klobuchar
Betty Kobierski
Helen Koski
Kekakabic StudiosSammy Lah
Janine LaMontagne

Kevin LawlerBeth LewisLinda Lenich

Barbara & Dan Litchfield

Becca Manlove
Cheryl Martinetto
Mike Mathiasen
Paul and Tracy McDonald
Andy and Corie McKibben
Albina Medved
Carolyn Meier
Pat J. Merfeld
Deborah Miller
William and Deb Milker
Kim & David Mitchell
Tamia Moe
Megan Olson
Molly Olson
Isaac Olson
AJ Ostlund

Wende Nelson
Donna Niskala

Mary P O’Halloran

Barbara Palmer
Judith PopeWinifred Renner
Sina Richert
Donna Rogers
Donna Rogers
Rebecca Rom

Molly Roske

Sharon Shannon
Sharon Svatos
Sara Skelton
Dixon Shelstad
Liz Schendel
Sally Schultze
Margaret E. Schumacher
Mary & Joe Schwinghamer
Anne Schroeder
Lacey Squier
Lacey Squier
Ann Spitler
Bonnie Starkman
Richard Stevens
Jordyn Stocks
Andrea Strom
Lucy Soderstrom
Barb & Kurt Soderberg
Kurt Soderberg
Jodi Summit

Rebecca Trancheff
Pamela Toleikis
Anna & Doug Thompson
Jennifer Toddie

AmberBeth Vanningen

Alain-Daniel Wa-Baguma
Dana Whalberg
Emily Weise
Troy West
Jacob White
Kate Willis
Mary Willits
Linda Wiedmann
Carly Wogen
Krisa Woerheide
Cathy Wright

Elizabeth Yoders

Michelle Zupancich

Anonymous x8

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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