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. “Little Shop of Horrors” will be performed at the Armory Arts & Events Center on July 28 -Aug. 5, 2023. For more information, check www.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 10- 17, 2023. 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.

Jasper’s Theater

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

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 7320099 or visit www.longlaketheater.com.

Armory Arts and Events Center launches gallery, open mic

The Armory Arts & Events Center (AA&EC), located at 203 Park Ave. S. in Park Rapids, hosts private and community events throughout the year – exhibits, trade shows, conferences, meetings, banquets, weddings and much more.

The venue contains a large main event floor that can seat up to 300 guests at a wedding reception and four smaller studio spaces, with flexible seating arrangements that accommodate up to 25-30 people depending on the room arrangement.

AA&EC hosts open mic nights every third Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. January through May, taking a break in the summer, then returning again in September through December.

Singers, musicians, stand-up comedians, dancers and poets are invited to sign up for this Bohemian-style event. AA&EC partners with Revel Brewing and Wine Not? for liquid libations and with the Salvage Depot for some comfy, intimate seating near the stage.

AA&EC opened a new art gallery in 2022, “Gallery at the Armory,” which is open year-round to area artists to show and sell their art.

AA&EC is home to the Northern Light Opera Company, which produces quality musicals. This summer’s production is “Little Shop of Horrors.”

AA&EC is continuing the Phase One fundraising campaign to acquire telescopic seating and other needed improvements to better serve the community. To make a donation to the fundraiser or for more information on coming events, call the AA&EC office at 218-237-3722, visit the Facebook page Armory Arts & Events Center or check out parkrapidsarmory.org.