Arts Organizations

Entertainment

Theatrical productions delight audiences

NORTHERN LIGHT OPERA COMPANY

Since 2002, the Northern Light Opera Company (NLOC) has produced professional quality musical theater. Community singers, dancers, ages 8 to 85, and a live orchestra are challenged by theater professionals to bring significant and compelling music theater to a large, regional audience. “Hello, Dolly!,” the fun, lively favorite of many, will be performed at the Armory Arts & Events Center on July 29-Aug. 6, 2022. For more information, check www.northernlightopera.org.

NLOKIDS

NLOKids is a three-week theater camp for children ages 8 to 13 where participants develop their acting, singing, improvisational and movement skills. Led by NLOC director and student interns, children create their own story, compose music, build costumes/sets and perform original music theater for family and friends. NLOKids will continue its collaboration between the Park Rapids and Pine Point communities, recruiting students from each. For more information, email info@northernlightopera.org.

WORKBENCH NEW PLAY WORKSHOP

Led by professional playwrights, participants spend an intensive week writing a 10-minute play which comes to life at a public reading read by NLOC actors and directors. 2021’s inaugural workshop participants were surprised and delighted with what they accomplished and audiences were enthusiastic. Workshop dates are June 12-18, 2022. For more information, check www.northernlightopera.org.

JASPER’S THEATER

Jasper’s Theater, nestled in the pines one mile east of Park Rapids, is a one-of-a-kind variety show experience that rivals the music and comedy shows of Branson, Missouri. Visitors near and far come to enjoy a multigenerational cast and crew in a highly entertaining twohour show featuring music, comedy and a little magic. Enjoy the show as you sit in our padded seats and airconditioned log theater, just east of Park Rapids on scenic State Hwy. 34. Call 218-255-1333 or visit www.jasperstheater.com.

Entertainment

Sculpture Trail highlights Minnesota talent

Sculptures created by Minnesota artists dot downtown Park Rapids and Red Bridge Park.

Initiated in 2018, the Park Rapids Sculpture Trail is a collaboration of the city of Park Rapids and the Park Rapids Arts and Culture Advisory Commission. It’s made possible by the sculptors who enter and bring their artworks to the city every spring and businesses and nonprofits who generously provide funding.

Each year, new sculptures are placed along the Red Bridge Park Sculpture Trail. The Red Bridge Park is the trailhead for the Heartland State Trail, which is used year ‘round for walking, running, biking, rollerblading, snowmobiling and other recreational activities.

In 2020, the Sculpture Trail expanded to three more locations in downtown Park Rapids.

All artworks remain in place for a year and are available for sale.

For information on sponsoring or entering a sculpture, contact commission members Lu Ann Hurd-Lof at luann47@gmail.com or Laura Grisamore at lauraleephoto3@gmail.com.

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NEMETH ART CENTER

The Nemeth Art Center (NAC) is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, May through September. Admission is free. The gallery is located in the upper level of the historic county courthouse, located at 301 Court Ave. Founded in 1977 by Park Rapids community members, the NAC has provided quality arts and education experiences to north-central Minnesota. For more information about upcoming exhibits and membership privileges, visit www.nemethartcenter.org.

PARK RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY BAND

Sixty to 70 musicians rehearse at the Park Rapids High School in preparation for the community band’s spring and late fall concerts and the pre-fireworks show on the Fourth of July. Contact Paul Peterson at 732-4760 or visit www.pracb.com.

PARK RAPIDS CLASSIC CHORALE

The Park Rapids Classic Chorale is a 45-member, community chorus. The chorale typically performs a Christmas and spring concert. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ PRClassicChorale.

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LONG LAKE THEATER

Long Lake Theater presents musicals, comedy, drama and concerts along with other entertainment in the village of Hubbard on the south end of Long Lake. Additionally, this family-friendly venue hosts kids camps and workshops, special events and is open to weddings, receptions, meetings and other community engagements. This lovely, little venue resides in two former churches built in the 1890s and invites you to enjoy meeting at its very own, “Two Loons Pub,” before the shows. For more information, call 732-0099 or visit longlaketheater.com.