ELY- Northern Lakes Arts Association continues to raise the bar for regional theater with its newest production: “Next to Normal,” a bold and groundbreaking musical exploring mental health, family, and the invisible threads that bind us together.
Opening June 18 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater (1900 East Camp St., Ely) and running through June 29, “Next to Normal” is a raw and riveting journey through grief, healing, and what it means to hold space for one another.
At the heart of the production is Andrea Strom, a beloved Ely artist and entrepreneur, who stars as Diana Goodman, a mother living with bipolar disorder. Executive Artistic Director Ian Francis Lah directs the production and stars opposite Strom as Dan, her husband.
The cast includes Noah Schnabel as Gabe, Olivia Sauerberg as Natalie, Dovid Adler as Henry, and Ben Woods in the dual roles of Dr. Fine and Dr. Madden. The production is music directed by Molly Hill Fuller, who brings deep vocal expertise and warmth to this emotionally rich score.
“Next to Normal” doesn’t shy away from the hard things,” says Lah. “But it also reminds us that love, honesty, and connection are still possible, even in the darkest moments. Especially in small communities like ours, this show starts conversations we often avoid.”
Performances will take place June 18–22 and June 27–29, at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater.
Tickets and more information are available at www.northernlakesarts.org or at the door. 
This production is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, with operating support from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.
NLAA’s 2025 Broadway in the Boundary Waters season is proudly supported by Angel and Jeff Carradus, as well as community sponsors Midco, Minnesota Power, and the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust.