H 2025 Arts& CULTURE EMERGING ARTIST: HOLLY FLOOD BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER ow much opportunity can a teenage musician receive in the northeast metro? Holly Flood, a White Bear Lake Area High School senior, is proving that the range is breathtaking. Currently, Flood is starring in her high school's production of "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella," participating in danceline and recording tracks for a planned debut album as a member of local live favorite The Mothers Band. The trio Flood, Luisa Maruyama and Freya Sanders- actually met while participating in the middle school musical. "Those two art forms melded for us very early," Flood recalled. "We were asked to sing together, and we decided that we really enjoyed doing something for other people and sharing our love for music in that way." Holly Flood CONTRIBUTED The band got its name, though, because of the musicians' most important fans. "The driving factor of it is that our moms always loved hearing us sing together," Flood stated. "We do it for our mothers, and we do it for the love that they bring us." This past summer, after playing at Marketfest for three years, The Mothers Band received an invitation to record studio tracks from Oliver Din of the McNeely Music Center. "It was definitely a moment of realization," Flood described. "Not that we weren't good at what we were doing before... but this was someone seeing us and seeing our hard work." Flood described The Mothers Band's sound as folk and mellow, taking inspiration from many young female artists who use situations around them to create powerful lyrics and vocals. Unlike the "Sad Girl Pop" of Billie Eilish or Olivia Rodrigo that currently dominates radio airwaves, Flood believes The Mothers Band sounds more hopeful and their harmonies allow for greater flexibility in the moods they are able to create. Hopefulness will directly serve Flood next month when she dons a ballgown to play Cinderella. "It's a big show, and it'll mean a lot to the community," Flood said. "It's definitely a pressure, but it's something that I'm even more eager to work hard for." Flood explained that her diligence comes from seeing the effort each team puts into the production. It also comes from the awareness that "Cinderella" will be the first musical staged in the new Performing Arts Center. "I think (this show) is about bringing everyone together, and that makes me very excited to work as hard as I will," she said. Like Cinderella, then, Flood's success stems from her efforts. The opportunities give her a space to shine. Support The Mothers Band by following them either at instagram.com/mothersband or youtube.com/@Mothers-Band. "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella" runs from Nov. 14-22 at White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center, 5045 Division St., Door A. Tickets and further details are available at sites.google.com/isd624.org/ musical-theatre. 'PERCY JACKSON' CAST BRAINSTORMS NEW WAYS INTO FAMILIAR CHARACTERS BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER ercy Jackson-the main character of "The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical," based on the first book in the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series-is a middle-schooler who finds out he is the son of Poseidon. He then teams up with other middle-schoolers who have mythical makeups to retrieve an artifact for Zeus. The cast of Children's Performing Arts' "Lightning Thief" produc- tion are middle schoolers too, yet their Olympic-level task is finding a distinct take on both characters from Greek mythology as well as beloved teen-lit protagonists. Director Casey Marie Holmes explained that such an issue is the perfect quest for middle school performers to seize. "I encourage all of these actors to bring their own breath into the characters," Holmes commented. "Live in the character's circumstances as you believe them." Such an ask of a young actor is meant to be challenging. "That's the educational part for this age group: Not only 'How do we put on a show?' but also 'What do you, as an actor, have to do within your role to make that product happen?"" Holmes described. Eighth grader Maya Tange, who plays Annabeth, daughter of Athena, needed to work on navigating her character's arc. "At the beginning, (Annabeth) comes off as harsh, and I think making a switch from harsh to a loyal friend to Percy is one of the biggest switches," Tange remarked. Tange observed that the other charac- ters have trouble seeing different sides of Annabeth, so she found parallels in a surprising source: singer and rapper Nicki Minaj. "Early in her career, Nicki Minaj was seen like she could only be one thing this very animated, bubblegum version of herself," Tange explained. "As her career went forward, even though she was able to show more sides, she was still seen as a very strong figure." Meanwhile, eighth grader Brayden Walsh, who plays this produc- tion's Percy Jackson, challenged himself to find a balance between all the previous iterations of the character-the original book, the 2010 movie, the Disney+ series and the script in front of him. His solution was to consider every version of the character a tool that he can pull out of a figurative toolbox depending on the moment. "To me, it's really about what is going on in the scene," Walsh em- phasized. "What's the emotion of the scene? How can I implement things to make it more serious or fun?" Regardless of expectations, Walsh believes this production com- pleted the quest the director assigned to them. "I want people to know that everyone here in the cast worked really hard to put on the show," he stated. "The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical" runs from Oct. 24-Nov. 2 at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center. For tickets and details, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org. CHILDREN'S PERFORMING ARTS LIGHTS UP FOR THE MASQUE 0 BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER n Nov. 8, Hanifl Performing Arts Center will roll out the red carpet. Children's Performing Arts' (CPA) theme for this year's Masque fundraiser is "Hollywood Lights to Broadway Nights." The evening includes a hosted happy hour, a program performed by CPA show participants and dinner with live music from sibling duo Kate and Bradley Beahen. All of the glitz and glam, however, is in service of educational opportunities for the next generation. "Performing arts don't just teach kids how to perform on stage," stated CPA's Strategic Operations Director Sharon Hanifl-Lee, It teaches them how to perform in life." CPA Board President John Vanyo agreed. to be able to look somebody in the eye, shake their hand, have a conversation." Vanyo also underscores that CPA is for anyone curious about performing. "We're helping "Performing arts don't just teach kids how to these kids grow. We are giving them real-life skills. We are giving them a place to feel safe and understood," Vanyo stated. perform on stage, it teaches them how to perform in life." - SHARON HANIFL-LEE Hanifl-Lee also sees CPA as a way to teach youth how to value and establish in-person relationships. "Kids are so focused on social media. They're so intra; their heads are down," she said. "In real life, you need "Part of our mission is that we want these kids to feel like they are safe to be themselves in whatever capacity that is," Vanyo said. "No matter what their role is." Therefore, CPA aims to meet kids where they're at, then pushes them to grow. "What bugs me the most is when I see people underestimating kids or setting the bar low because they're 'just kids,"" Hanifl-Lee stated. "We set the bar high, and they rise to that." Case in point-performers during The Masque's program must find time to rehearse between other shows and obligations, yet still deliver. "You'll see it and go, 'Oh, that was really fun," said Vanyo. "Then, you'll think of the prep work and the timeline the kids had to put it together and say, 'Wow, it's amazing what these kids can do."" Curtains rise on The Masque at 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. Tickets and further information are available at childrensperformingartsmn. org/support/masque-gala. REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FALL AND WINTER THEATER CLASSES All classes take place at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. To register, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/classes- workshops PIZZA PERFORMANCE POP UPS Grades: 6-12 Dates: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays Nov. 1, Dec. 13 and Jan. 24 Details: Students will come together for socializing and pizza, then break into groups to work on scenes assigned to them. At the end of the night, all students will get to perform for each other. SATURDAY MORNING DROP-IN Grades: K-2 Dates: 9:30-11:30a.m. Saturdays, Nov. 1, Dec. 13 and Jan. 24 Details: Classes focus on creative play and fostering imagination. Each week, students will read books, play games, do crafts and create characters. CALENDAR IMMIGRATION ISSUES PANEL Location: Vadnais Commons, 655 E. County Road F, Vadnais Heights Dates: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 Details: Many Faces is hosting a public educational event to explore the complex issues surrounding immigration. Gain factual, accessible information to better understand the challenges of the U.S. immigration system and the impact those challenges have on immigrant neighbors and friends. TEEN WRITERS SPEAK Location: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave. Dates: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 Details: Share your latest work, test new ideas or soak in the words around you at this open- mic event. Though teens will read, adults are encouraged to attend. Register in advance at whitebeararts.org/events if you would like to read. LAW AND ORDER IN THE LAND OF LAKES AND LEGENDS Location: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St., White Bear Lake Dates: 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24 Details: Since its incorporation as a village in 1881 for the initial purpose of regulating liquor and other vices, White Bear has had an active law enforcement history. Hear some of the incredible stories of heroism and commitment to serve and protect. H 2025 Arts & CULTURE EMERGING ARTIST : HOLLY FLOOD BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER ow much opportunity can a teenage musician receive in the northeast metro ? Holly Flood , a White Bear Lake Area High School senior , is proving that the range is breathtaking . Currently , Flood is starring in her high school's production of " Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella , " participating in danceline and recording tracks for a planned debut album as a member of local live favorite The Mothers Band . The trio Flood , Luisa Maruyama and Freya Sanders- actually met while participating in the middle school musical . " Those two art forms melded for us very early , " Flood recalled . " We were asked to sing together , and we decided that we really enjoyed doing something for other people and sharing our love for music in that way . " Holly Flood CONTRIBUTED The band got its name , though , because of the musicians ' most important fans . " The driving factor of it is that our moms always loved hearing us sing together , " Flood stated . " We do it for our mothers , and we do it for the love that they bring us . " This past summer , after playing at Marketfest for three years , The Mothers Band received an invitation to record studio tracks from Oliver Din of the McNeely Music Center . " It was definitely a moment of realization , " Flood described . " Not that we weren't good at what we were doing before ... but this was someone seeing us and seeing our hard work . " Flood described The Mothers Band's sound as folk and mellow , taking inspiration from many young female artists who use situations around them to create powerful lyrics and vocals . Unlike the " Sad Girl Pop " of Billie Eilish or Olivia Rodrigo that currently dominates radio airwaves , Flood believes The Mothers Band sounds more hopeful and their harmonies allow for greater flexibility in the moods they are able to create . Hopefulness will directly serve Flood next month when she dons a ballgown to play Cinderella . " It's a big show , and it'll mean a lot to the community , " Flood said . " It's definitely a pressure , but it's something that I'm even more eager to work hard for . " Flood explained that her diligence comes from seeing the effort each team puts into the production . It also comes from the awareness that " Cinderella " will be the first musical staged in the new Performing Arts Center . " I think ( this show ) is about bringing everyone together , and that makes me very excited to work as hard as I will , " she said . Like Cinderella , then , Flood's success stems from her efforts . The opportunities give her a space to shine . Support The Mothers Band by following them either at instagram.com/mothersband or youtube.com/@Mothers-Band . " Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella " runs from Nov. 14-22 at White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center , 5045 Division St. , Door A. Tickets and further details are available at sites.google.com/isd624.org/ musical - theatre . ' PERCY JACKSON ' CAST BRAINSTORMS NEW WAYS INTO FAMILIAR CHARACTERS BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER ercy Jackson - the main character of " The Lightning Thief : A Percy Jackson Musical , " based on the first book in the " Percy Jackson and the Olympians " series - is a middle - schooler who finds out he is the son of Poseidon . He then teams up with other middle - schoolers who have mythical makeups to retrieve an artifact for Zeus . The cast of Children's Performing Arts ' " Lightning Thief " produc- tion are middle schoolers too , yet their Olympic - level task is finding a distinct take on both characters from Greek mythology as well as beloved teen - lit protagonists . Director Casey Marie Holmes explained that such an issue is the perfect quest for middle school performers to seize . " I encourage all of these actors to bring their own breath into the characters , " Holmes commented . " Live in the character's circumstances as you believe them . " Such an ask of a young actor is meant to be challenging . " That's the educational part for this age group : Not only ' How do we put on a show ? ' but also ' What do you , as an actor , have to do within your role to make that product happen ? " " Holmes described . Eighth grader Maya Tange , who plays Annabeth , daughter of Athena , needed to work on navigating her character's arc . " At the beginning , ( Annabeth ) comes off as harsh , and I think making a switch from harsh to a loyal friend to Percy is one of the biggest switches , " Tange remarked . Tange observed that the other charac- ters have trouble seeing different sides of Annabeth , so she found parallels in a surprising source : singer and rapper Nicki Minaj . " Early in her career , Nicki Minaj was seen like she could only be one thing this very animated , bubblegum version of herself , " Tange explained . " As her career went forward , even though she was able to show more sides , she was still seen as a very strong figure . " Meanwhile , eighth grader Brayden Walsh , who plays this produc- tion's Percy Jackson , challenged himself to find a balance between all the previous iterations of the character - the original book , the 2010 movie , the Disney + series and the script in front of him . His solution was to consider every version of the character a tool that he can pull out of a figurative toolbox depending on the moment . " To me , it's really about what is going on in the scene , " Walsh em- phasized . " What's the emotion of the scene ? How can I implement things to make it more serious or fun ? " Regardless of expectations , Walsh believes this production com- pleted the quest the director assigned to them . " I want people to know that everyone here in the cast worked really hard to put on the show , " he stated . " The Lightning Thief : A Percy Jackson Musical " runs from Oct. 24 - Nov . 2 at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center . For tickets and details , visit childrensperformingartsmn.org . CHILDREN'S PERFORMING ARTS LIGHTS UP FOR THE MASQUE 0 BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER n Nov. 8 , Hanifl Performing Arts Center will roll out the red carpet . Children's Performing Arts ' ( CPA ) theme for this year's Masque fundraiser is " Hollywood Lights to Broadway Nights . " The evening includes a hosted happy hour , a program performed by CPA show participants and dinner with live music from sibling duo Kate and Bradley Beahen . All of the glitz and glam , however , is in service of educational opportunities for the next generation . " Performing arts don't just teach kids how to perform on stage , " stated CPA's Strategic Operations Director Sharon Hanifl - Lee , It teaches them how to perform in life . " CPA Board President John Vanyo agreed . to be able to look somebody in the eye , shake their hand , have a conversation . " Vanyo also underscores that CPA is for anyone curious about performing . " We're helping " Performing arts don't just teach kids how to these kids grow . We are giving them real - life skills . We are giving them a place to feel safe and understood , " Vanyo stated . perform on stage , it teaches them how to perform in life . " - SHARON HANIFL - LEE Hanifl - Lee also sees CPA as a way to teach youth how to value and establish in - person relationships . " Kids are so focused on social media . They're so intra ; their heads are down , " she said . " In real life , you need " Part of our mission is that we want these kids to feel like they are safe to be themselves in whatever capacity that is , " Vanyo said . " No matter what their role is . " Therefore , CPA aims to meet kids where they're at , then pushes them to grow . " What bugs me the most is when I see people underestimating kids or setting the bar low because they're ' just kids , " " Hanifl - Lee stated . " We set the bar high , and they rise to that . " Case in point - performers during The Masque's program must find time to rehearse between other shows and obligations , yet still deliver . " You'll see it and go , ' Oh , that was really fun , " said Vanyo . " Then , you'll think of the prep work and the timeline the kids had to put it together and say , ' Wow , it's amazing what these kids can do . " " Curtains rise on The Masque at 5 p.m. , Saturday , Nov. 8 , at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center , 4941 Long Ave. , White Bear Lake . Tickets and further information are available at childrensperformingartsmn . org / support / masque - gala . REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FALL AND WINTER THEATER CLASSES All classes take place at Hanifl Performing Arts Center , 4941 Long Ave. , White Bear Lake . To register , visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/classes- workshops PIZZA PERFORMANCE POP UPS Grades : 6-12 Dates : 6-9 p.m. Saturdays Nov. 1 , Dec. 13 and Jan. 24 Details : Students will come together for socializing and pizza , then break into groups to work on scenes assigned to them . At the end of the night , all students will get to perform for each other . SATURDAY MORNING DROP - IN Grades : K - 2 Dates : 9 : 30-11 : 30 a.m . Saturdays , Nov. 1 , Dec. 13 and Jan. 24 Details : Classes focus on creative play and fostering imagination . Each week , students will read books , play games , do crafts and create characters . CALENDAR IMMIGRATION ISSUES PANEL Location : Vadnais Commons , 655 E. County Road F , Vadnais Heights Dates : 6 : 30-8 : 30 p.m. Tuesday , Oct. 28 Details : Many Faces is hosting a public educational event to explore the complex issues surrounding immigration . Gain factual , accessible information to better understand the challenges of the U.S. immigration system and the impact those challenges have on immigrant neighbors and friends . TEEN WRITERS SPEAK Location : White Bear Center for the Arts , 4971 Long Ave. Dates : 6-8 p.m. Thursday , Nov. 6 Details : Share your latest work , test new ideas or soak in the words around you at this open- mic event . Though teens will read , adults are encouraged to attend . Register in advance at whitebeararts.org/events if you would like to read . LAW AND ORDER IN THE LAND OF LAKES AND LEGENDS Location : White Bear Lake Armory , 2228 Fourth St. , White Bear Lake Dates : 6 p.m. Monday , Nov. 24 Details : Since its incorporation as a village in 1881 for the initial purpose of regulating liquor and other vices , White Bear has had an active law enforcement history . Hear some of the incredible stories of heroism and commitment to serve and protect .