Forty years ago, when he was fourteen, Aaron Stielstra was prop master when his father Jay Stielstra’s North Country Opera premiered at the Performance Network. Now he’s an actor based near Milan, Italy—but this month, he’ll be back in Michigan as a cast member for a five-city revival tour.

Built around Stielstra’s songs, the musical play tells dual stories: a young couple’s love of each other and Northern Michigan, and the temptation to leave for better-paying jobs downstate. Aaron Stielstra’s character, Jim O’Dell, is a cautionary tale: he lives in the UP and frequents the Buckhorn Bar, one of the play’s primary locales, but—periodically and reluctantly—works “down below.” 

Asked how he feels about NCO’s fourth revival, Stielstra—a onetime Pioneer High history teacher and football coach—responds with his typical brevity and humility: “I’m flattered.” This version will include two actors from the original production, Chris McMullen and David Menefee, reprising their roles as bawdy barflies at the Buckhorn.

The revival is faithful to the original while enriching it with updates and several new songs. The dialogue still rings true in that insults-show-you-care way of expressing affection. Stielstra’s songs have aged well—as at eighty-nine, fortunately, so has he.

The play now has a narrator, Chris Buhalis, wisecracking stalwart of the Michigan music scene. Musicians Rochelle Clark and Brad Phillips play NCO’s young lovers, and the backing band is led by Judy Banker. They’ll tour Northern Michigan with shows in Mancelona, Cheboygan, Leland, and Ludington before closing at the Ark on October 18.