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Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) brought Broadway to the Boundary Waters this past summer, marking the program’s second year in the Ely area. There were three musicals, two youth theatre camps and nine concerts. Professionals from across the country took part in the productions and camps alongside local artists. IRRR supported the project with a $10,000 Culture and Tourism grant. Total project investment was $92,645.
During the summer, the program served 5,550 individuals through the shows, camps and free concerts in the park. An estimated 50 youth participants worked and trained alongside professionals. There were also talent and technician job opportunities filled by local artists.
“Broadway in the Boundary Waters strengthened the local art ecosystem by providing access to high-quality arts experiences,” said Ian Lah, NLLA executive artistic director. “Our productions of Bright Star, Into the Woods, The Last Five Years and Finding Nemo Kids were pivotal in creating vibrant cultural opportunities for the community.”
NLAA received very positive audience feedback related to the performance quality, design and lighting.
“Even in remote communities, performing arts can cultivate world-class artistic talent. We don’t have to sacrifice cultural excellence to live in a wilderness edge community,” said Lah. “The cast of Bright Star was especially praised with one audience member commenting that the cast and production was worthy of a stage in a large metropolitan area.”
NLAA is a local nonprofit that has supported high quality arts experiences year-round in Ely and surrounding area since 1986. It hosts youth art experiences and camps; music, dance and theatre performances; and, classes and workshops.
