ZEITERION


What an exciting time for The Z! In the midst of celebrating the building’s 100th birthday, we’re embarking on a truly transformational season.
The much-anticipated restoration and renovation begins this fall. The lobby will be expanded. Seats will be new. Sound will be improved. The Zeiterion, as we know it, will be completely transformed over the next 14 to 18 months. When the doors re-open in early 2025, you’ll experience a revitalized theater designed with you in mind. It will be comfortable, accessible, and welcoming. A space for community connection and creative expression.
While our building is under construction, we’re reimagining how we offer performances for the 2023-24 season. We knew the show had to go on, especially after the pandemic forced us to close and miss out on the power of live performance and communal gathering for 18 months. So, we’re taking the show on the road! It’s a welcomed opportunity to present amazing artists in other areas of Greater New Bedford, like Madeira Field, New Bedford High School, UMass Dartmouth, Kilburn Event Center, and Bristol Community College.
Join us for an exciting line-up of performances, like the beloved Jake Shimabukuro at UMass Dartmouth on October 5 and the heart-pumping family-friendly 360 Allstars at New Bedford High School on March 17. And for the first time, we’re partnering with Fabric Festival to bring fado singer Gisela João from Portugal to Bristol Community College Theater on October 14.
Throughout this reinvented year, we look forward to sharing the renovation progress. Even though we are off to a great start, we will need your help before our next act begins. Stay tuned for updates and how you can support The Z and our next 100 years.
Welcome to our reimagined season.
GET THE LED OUT
Stage Door Live! Series
NEW B LEGENDS
FREE SEASON KICK OFF!
LEGALLY BLYND
JAKE SHIMABUKURO
GISELA JOÃO
NBSO Three Worlds
Stage Door Live! Series
LADIES NIGHT
NBSO Beautiful Moments
Stage Door Live! Series
DAVE ALVES
PAULA POUNDSTONE
NBSO Holiday Pops
Stage Door Live! Series
AMILTON TAVARES
DRUMLINE LIVE! - matinee
NBSO Movie Pops:
Let’s Get Animated!
NBSO Growth
360 ALL STARS - matinee
NBSO Many Contrasts
THE GREAT GATSBY
NBSO The Way of Passion
September 8, 2023
September 21, 2023
September 30, 2023
October 5, 2023
Madeira Field
Kilburn Mill
Madeira Field
UMass Dartmouth
October 14, 2023 Bristol Community College
October 14, 2023 NB High School
October 19, 2023 Kilburn Mill
November 18, 2023 NB High School
November 30, 2023
December 2, 2023
Kilburn Mill
UMass Dartmouth
December 10, 2023 NB High School
December 14, 2023
Kilburn Mill
January 14, 2024 NB High School
January 20, 2024 NB High School
March 16, 2024 NB High School
March 17, 2024
April 13, 2024
April 25, 2024
NB High School
NB High School
UMass Dartmouth
May 18, 2024 NB High School
Zeiterion supporters play a vital role in keeping performing arts alive in the Southcoast. This year, while we are on the road, we need your help more than ever. As a supporter, you ensure that the show goes on - from mainstage performances to Schooltime series to our mobile Creative Classroom. You provide the support that ticket prices alone can’t cover. Join our community today by making a gift in any amount. Visit zeiterion.org/join for details.
As a thank you, you’ll receive: A Zeiterion Supporter card, invitations to special events, access to a special pre-sale period for all just-added shows, and more!
In 2018 we began with a single idea – to improve your patron experience at The Z. Five years later, our concept for new seating and better bathrooms has grown into an ambitious historic restoration and renovation project that will usher the 100-year-old building into the next century. Our vision will transform The Z into a stunning state-of-the-art facility and a community living room bustling with activity and a home for all.
Beginning this September, we’ll embark on a 14-to-18-month transformation. Historic elements will be fully restored and unused spaces will be given new life.
When The Z re-opens, you'll experience new seats, a new sound system, and improved bathrooms. You’ll also find an expanded lobby, a glorious marquee, and more space for community connection and creative expression.
A hundred years after the Zeiterion first opened its doors, and 40 years since its last major renovation, we are well on our way to making this vision a realitybut we’re not there yet.
We will need your help to get to the finish line, so please visit Zeiterion.org after October 1 for ways you can support this project.
The theater will be restored top-tobottom with modern comforts, including new seats and restrooms, accessibility upgrades, and improved sound and lighting, while maintaining its historic characteristics.
An exciting addition to the Zeiterion, the Speakeasy Lounge offers another performance space for smaller, more intimate shows – as well as community gatherings, rental opportunities, and more.
A new, historically appropriate marquee will be returned to the façade for the first time since the mid-century. The box office moves to the front of the building, improving the buying experience and creating a dynamic street presence.
Increasing our capacity for learning opportunities, this dedicated rehearsal and classroom space has acoustic isolation considerations so instruction will not be affected by performances inside the theater.
1923
Zeiterion opens; renamed The State Theatre
Late 70s
State Theatre closes and faces wrecking ball
State Theatre restored
1981 Reopens as the Zeiterion Theatre
1982
UPPER LOBBY
A complete transformation of the concessions and corner lounge space will allow for increased flow in and out of the theater, as well as expanded restrooms and additional gathering space for patrons during performances and beyond.
A new location for a supporter lounge, gathering space, and multi-function event room. It will feature an additional concession area and will connect to the upper lobby for easy access to the theater.
2022
Zeiterion announces renovation and restoration project
2023
Celebrates 100th birthday; renovation scheduled to begin in September
After October 1, visit zeiterion.org for ways to support the new Zeiterion!
While the theater is under renovation and restoration, join us at these distinguished venues in New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Fall River.
Tickets to all Zeiterion performances can be purchased at zeiterion.org and through our box office. Details on page 10.
50 Madeira Avenue New Bedford
DARTMOUTH MAIN
285 Old Westport Road North Dartmouth
BRISTOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAIN STAGE THEATRE
at the Margaret L. Jackson Arts Center
777 Elsbree Street
Fall River
NEW BEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL BRONSPIEGEL
AUDITORIUM
230 Hathaway Boulevard
New Bedford
KILBURN
EVENT CENTER
3rd floor
127 West Rodney French Boulevard
New Bedford
DURING THE ZEITERION RENOVATION, OUR BOX OFFICE IS IN THE LOWER LOBBY AT THE DEMELLO CENTER, 128 UNION STREET, NEW BEDFORD
PROUD TO BE AN INDEPENDENT THEATER IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN NEW BEDFORD!
KEEPING TICKET FEES LOW AND QUALITY OF CUSTOMER SERVICE HIGH!
BE AWARE OF THIRD-PARTY TICKET SELLERS!
The ONLY place to buy Zeiterion tickets is on zeiterion.org
The Z doesn’t resell tickets through websites like StubHub, TicketMaster, or Craig’s List. Not sure if a website is legit? Contact the box office for assistance.
SAVE ON Z SHOWS!
Go to Zeiterion.org/deals for details.
GROUPS SAVE BRING A GROUP OF 10 OR MORE AND SAVE UP TO 20%
BUNDLE AND SAVE
PURCHASE THREE OR MORE ELIGIBLE SHOWS AND SAVE 10% WITH CODE BUNDLE AT CHECKOUT.
EBT, WIC, AND CONNECTORCARE CARD HOLDERS CAN PURCHASE TICKETS FOR $5 TO ELIGIBLE SHOWS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Put your hands in the air if you’re ready for The Z’s next act!
Come with us to the next century, where the Zeiterion is modernized and serving future generations on the Southcoast.
For our next act to begin, we’ll need your help. Starting October 1, please visit ZEITERION.ORG for ways you can give to support The Z’s monumental restoration and renovation.
Thousands turned out for the Decades Dance Party on August 12.
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MADEIRA
The ultimate Led Zeppelin concert experience returns! Get The Led Out brings a “whole lotta love” with a twohour rock homage to the legendary British super group. Also known as “The American Led Zeppelin,” the group focuses on cuts from Zeppelin’s lengthy discography and brings just what the audience wants: a high-energy Zeppelin concert with an honest, heart-thumping intensity.
LEGALLY BLYND MUSICIANS TOUR WITH
SAT SEPTEMBER 30 4PM FREE
We're celebrating the start of our On The Road season with a free, outdoor concert by musicians who've been on the road with the world's biggest stars, like Rihanna, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake!
World renowned guitarist and group creator John “Jubu” Smith had a vision to create a band and sound that touches all genres and age groups; one that is soulful, hip, bluesy, jazzy and popular. Teaming up with brother and bassist Eric “Pik Funk” Smith, Chris Johnson (drummer), Craig Brockman (organ), Errol Cooney (guitar) and a host of top industry musicians, supergroup Legally Blynd is an all-star line-up of the most accomplished musicians in the business!
LOCATION:
$ 39 | $ 49
Over the past two decades, Jake Shimabukuro has demonstrated that there isn’t a style of music he can’t play! While versatility for any musician is impressive, what’s remarkable about Jake’s transcendent skills is how he explores his seemingly limitless vocabulary – whether it’s jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, folk or even classical – on perhaps the unlikeliest of instruments: the ukulele. He has taken the instrument to points previously thought impossible, and in the process, he’s reinvented the applications for this tiny, underappreciated four-string instrument, causing many to call him “the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.”
Introductory Ukulele Workshop
LOCATION: UMASS Dartmouth
285 Westport Road, North Dartmouth
Bring a group of 10 or more and save up to 20%!
Bundle with two more eligible shows and save 10%!
$5 tickets for Card to Culture users!
Visit Zeiterion.org/deals for details
Learn how to play the ukelele and jam out with The Z’s Creative Classroom teacher, Deb Sorgman.
Thursday, October 5 | 7-7:45PM
UMass Dartmouth
SPONSORED BY
SAVE ON THIS SHOW
Bring a group of 10 or more and save up to 20%!
Bundle with two more eligible shows and save 10%!
$5 tickets for Card to Culture users! Visit Zeiterion.org/deals for details.
Iconic comedian, author, lecturer, host, and actress Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and legendary spontaneous wit. She is the star of several HBO specials, including Cats, Cops and Stuff and Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard. Paula is a regular panelist on NPR’s #1 show, Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! She is heard weekly on her successful comedy podcast Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone. Also an author, Paula’s second book, The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness, was one of eight semifinalists for The Thurber Prize for American Humor. Paula’s awards and accolades make a long list, and she is included in innumerable documentaries and literary compendiums noting influential comedians of our time.
2 8PM $ 35 | $ 45
THURS APRIL 25 7PM
$25
Literature to Life takes on F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic work as their newest title in their Signature Performance series. Set in the Jazz Age of the roaring 20s, this story about dreams, love, and American idealism follows Nick Carraway and his interactions with mysterious millionaire neighbor Jay Gatsby and his former lover, Daisy Buchanan.
LOCATION: UMASS Dartmouth 285 Westport Road, North Dartmouth
SAVE ON THIS SHOW
Bring a group of 10 or more and save up to 20%! Bundle with two more eligible shows and save 10%! $5 tickets for Card to Culture users! Visit Zeiterion.org/deals for details.
$29 | $ 39 | $ 49
Declared “Portugal’s most widely acclaimed fado singer to emerge in this decade” by the New York Times, chart-topping Gisela João has generated white-hot press for her uncompromising take of bold, new fado from this most traditional music. On stage she jumps, she gestures, she emotes. Her voice evokes fado as a music of the streets, where it began, infused with all the fervor, passion, and honesty of an artist rewriting tradition in her own name.
LOCATION: BCC Theatre
777 Elsbree Street, Fall River
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
FABRIC Arts Festival October 5-14, 2023
Fabric Arts Festival celebrates Fall River and the culture of the Portuguese diaspora with a week-long festival featuring public art, exhibitions, film, live performance, gathering, and educational workshops.
SUN JANUARY 14 4PM
$19 | $35 | $ 45 | $55
DRUMLine Live, the show-stopping attraction created by the musical team behind the hit movies “Drumline” and “Drumline: A New Beat,” embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience. With its riveting rhythms, bold beats, and ear grabbing energy, DRUMLine Live is a high-octane musical roller coaster ride for the entire family that will reach every emotion in your body!
LOCATION: New Bedford High School Bronspiegel Auditorium 230 Hathaway Boulevard, New Bedford
Bring a group of 10 or more and save up to 20%! Bundle with two more eligible shows and save 10%! $5 tickets for Card to Culture users! Visit Zeiterion.org/deals for details.
SEEN BY OVER 1 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE, SOLD OUT ON BROADWAY, EDINBURGH FRINGE and THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE!
SPONSORED BY
SUN MARCH 17, 2024 4PM
Featuring BMX, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, drumming and more, the international smash hit 360 Allstars is coming to the Southcoast! A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 Allstars connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus with a stunning live soundtrack. Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record holding artists and athletes, 360 Allstars is a revolutionary production that will leave you dizzy with excitement!
LOCATION: New Bedford High School Bronspiegel Auditorium 230 Hathaway Boulevard, New Bedford
featuring KG Express with Chops Turner and Pat Loomis
7:30PM • $25 I $34
A collection of New Bedford greats grace the stage for an evening of music, reflection, and celebration! As some of the city's most wellknown musicians, Kevin Gomes (vocals), Chops Turner (vocals), and Pat Loomis (sax/vocals), will treat you to delightful firsthand stories and a tribute to artists who put New Bedford on the musical map.
featuring Lori Gomes, Ashley Victoria, and Jacquelyn Legendre
7:30PM • $20 I $29
A night out with some of Southcoast’s best female musicians and artists. Lori Gomes (vocals), Ashley Victoria (vocals), Jacquelyn Legendre (keys/vocals), and Millisa Henderson (guitar) will take you on a musical journey through the times and multiple genres. Tonight, the spotlight is on the ladies!
all on stage with you.
Seating is limited to approximately 210 seats per show, bistro-style with four at each table. Most tables are general admission; reserved seats at premium tables are available.
Original Songs, Creative Covers, Music for Everyone
THURS NOVEMBER 30
7:30PM • $20 I $29
Dave Alves and his band hit the stage with a robust mix of originals and covers that'll show you why they're one of the area’s most sought after acts! A skilled singer and guitarist, Dave will be joined on stage by Grace Cooper-Hall (keys/ vocals), Chris Cardacci (drums), Millisa Henderson (guitar), and Tommy Souza (bass).
Cape Verdean Traditions
THURS DECEMBER 14
7:30PM • $20 I $29
Join local Cape Verdean musical legend Amilton Tavares, backed by his talented band, for a memorable night of live music! Together they deliver the traditional and beautiful sounds of the Cape Verde Islands.
During renovation, join New Bedford Symphony Orchestra at their temporary home – the Bronspiegel Auditorium at New Bedford High School. This venue offers a wonderful concert experience: comfortable, assigned seating, free and convenient parking, and a just completed acoustical makeover. See you at the Symphony!
Tickets: $20-$65, students 22 and under $10. Discounted season subscriptions available for 3-7 concerts.
Location: New Bedford High School Bronspiegel Auditorium, 230 Hathaway Boulevard, New Beford
SAT OCTOBER 14 7:30 PM
James Lee III creates a world both old and new while Sibelius creates his own personal vision of the possibilities of orchestral music. Plus, acclaimed cellist Sydney Lee performs Elgar’s masterpiece, harnessing all the Romantic musical world has to offer.
SAT NOVEMBER 18 7:30 PM
Clarice Assad draws on the rain-making rituals of the Tupi and Gurana tribes of the Amazon basin to create a piece that is both prayerful and delightful, pianist Janice Weber interprets Shostakovich’s gentle beauty and celebratory joy, and Dvořák fills the hall with beautiful melodic riches.
SUN DECEMBER 10 3:30 & 7 PM
Our perennially sold-out Holiday Pops concerts are something you and your family won’t want to miss! The spirit of the season is alive and well in the festively decorated concert hall with Yaniv, our musicians, The Showstoppers, and the Southeastern Massachusetts Youth Orchestra.
SAT JANUARY 20 7:30 PM
Get animated at this concert of wonderful music from films like Toy Story 2, Hercules, Coco, How to Train Your Dragon, Mulan, and more. Don’t miss this fun night of great music by the NBSO with shenanigans by comedianconductor Yaniv Dinur! (It’s always a sell-out!)
SAT MARCH 16 7:30 PM
Experience three types of growth: Andreia Pinto Correia’s inspiration from a plant’s growth patterns, Mozart’s expanded conception of how soloists and orchestra can interweave their playing, and Beethoven’s growth from the influence and musical dept he owed Mozart. The soloists are NBSO Concertmaster Jesse Holstein and Principal Anna Griffis.
SAT APRIL 13 7:30 PM
This concert features three pieces of music that couldn’t be more different from one another: An upbeat rhythmic jaunt by American composer Brian Raphael Nabors, a witty and even prickly piece by Prokofiev, and a massive and overpowering sound from Brahms with Katherine Chi on piano.
SAT MAY 18 7:30 PM
Be prepared for a depth of emotion evoked by Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky in our season finale featuring the legendary Armenian-American pianist Sergei Babayan. These two pieces are filled with passion and plumb the depths of all that music can make us feel.
LOCATION: New Bedford High School Bronspiegel Auditorium 230 Hathaway Boulevard, New Bedford
Thank you for supporting NBFT’s 33rd season - our most expansive season yet! The opportunity to bring year-round professional theatre to the Southcoast was hugely successful.
We have made the difficult decision to forgo major productions until the theater reopens following the renovation. During this transitional season, we’ll continue to produce smaller, more intimate performances as well as larger community events to stay connected with you and the entire Southcoast community.
Please follow us on our socials and our website www.nbfestivaltheatre.com for the latest information.
Thank you for a wonderful season!
Thousands came to The Z’s Decades Dance Party to celebrate the historic building and toast to its future on August 12.
There was music and dancing led by our fabulous dance instructors, NBSO’s delightful String Trio, David Guadalupe’s stunning live mural, games, tours, food trucks, special reading by New Bedford's Poet Laureate Sarah Mulvey, an effervescent Toast at Twilight, and so much more.
Thanks to all who joined to celebrate our beloved Zeiterion before we close for renovations. It was a truly extraordinary event. Here’s to the next 100 years!
W.H.A.L.E. agent (and future mayor of New Bedford) John Bullard cuts the ribbon on the re-opening of the theater he and a group of other visionaries helped save from the wrecking ball in 1982. (right)
Here Bullard is now, in 2023, on the eve of the Zeiterion’s next act, a state-of-the-art performing arts center for the next century. (below)
PERFORMANCE SERIES designed for Students K–12 to experience engaging and educational shows.
places artists into classrooms to bring books to life. Returning in the 2024/25 school year!
learn about performing arts and community engagement.
for learners of all ages and abilities, with new classes each semester.
Unleash your inner artist with classes in dance, theater, music and more!
Teachers, students, home schoolers and care givers Travel outside the classroom into a world of imagination.
Schooltime presents more than 14 performances designed for students K–12 to experience engaging and educational shows that enhance classroom learning.
Living Voices presents: Our Revolution
Thursday, November 9, 10AM
Grades 4-12
Location: UMass Dartmouth, Main Auditorium
Travel back in time to experience the American Revolution through the eyes of a free Black colonist.
Tomas and the Library Lady
Monday, November 20, 10AM & 12:30PM
Grades K-5th
Location: UMass Dartmouth, Main Auditorium Learn the true story of Mexican-American author Tomas Rivera in this bilingual musical.
The Lightning Thief
Tuesday, December 19, 10AM & 12:30PM
Grades 3rd-6th
Location: UMass Dartmouth, Main Auditorium Follow Percy Jackson's odyssey set to the sounds of rock and roll.
Wednesday, March 6, 10AM & 12:30PM
Grades 3-12
Location: UMass Dartmouth, Main Auditorium
Jaqueline Woodson weaves together Black history and her own family's story in this brand-new musical.
Thousands of students experience the power of the performing arts, many for the first time, while attending The Z’s Schooltime presentations.
Dot Dot Dot: A New Musical
Tuesday, March 12, 10AM & 12:30PM
Grades 1-5
Location: UMass Dartmouth, Main Auditorium
Release self-doubt with the young artists from Peter H. Reynold's Creatrilogy.
360 AllStars
Monday, March 18, 10AM
Grades: 9-12
Location: New Bedford High School, Bronspiegel Auditorium
Watch World Record breaking BMX, basketball, breakdancing, and beatboxing in this supercharged urban circus!
Charlotte's Web
Tuesday, June 4, 10AM & 12:30PM
Grades K-5
Location: UMass Dartmouth, Main Auditorium
E.B. White's beloved classic comes to life.
…AND MORE!
Scholarships Available
1 Free Chaperone Ticket for Every 10 Purchased
City NewofBedford
Association for the Relief of Aged Women
Grimshaw-Gudewicz Charitable Foundation
New Bedford Cultural Council New Bedford Day Nursery
SouthCoast Community Foundation Technical Development Corporation (TDC)
Southcoast Community Foundation - Acushnet Foundation Fund
Senator Mark Montigny, Senator Michael Roderigues, Representative Chris Hendricks, Representative Antonio Cabral, Mayor Jon Mitchell, New Bedford City Council, New Bedford Office of Tourism, Greater New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, New Bedford Economic Development Council, The BKMAI, National Independent Venue Association, our board of directors, our Volunteer Usher Corps, and all our wonderful donors, supporters, and sponsors.
Thank you to our partners!
OFFICIAL HOTEL
OFFICIAL BEVERAGE
OFFICIAL EVENT SUPPLIER
OFFICIAL I.T.