New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Zeiterion Performing Arts Center springs into April with 10 terrific shows and events, including famous faces like Drew Carey with Whose Live Anyway?, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, legendary doo wop artists, and CNN’s W. Kamau Bell, among others. The line-up kicks off with local favorite Duke Robillard Band at Stage Door Live on Thursday, April 4, and culminates with the gripping presentation of Griffin Theatre Company’s In To America on Sunday, April 28. The slate also includes two free dance events that enhance a mainstage dance performance. Tickets can be purchased by calling 508-994-2900, online at https://zeiterion.org/, or at the Zeiterion Box Office at 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford. Group sales of 10 tickets and more for select shows are available by calling 508-997-5664 x123.
Additionally, the Zeiterion unveiled its latest semester of Creative Classroom, including four classes that launch in April: Beginner Guitar, Stage Combat Workshop, Public Speaking Workshop, and World Drumming. Creative Classroom offers a safe and inviting space for learners of all ages and abilities to explore their curiosity and interest in the arts. Each class is led by local teachers, performers and artists.
Performances and events in April include:
Duke Robillard Band
Thursday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 / $34
Duke Robillard has carved out one of blue’s most illustrious legacies while treading some lofty related territories as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, studio sideman, producer, label operator and educator. The GRAMMY-nominated artist has an impressive breadth, ranging from swing, standards and ballads to rockers, gutbucket Chicago blues and rockabilly. This performance is part of The Z’s Stage Door Live series where The Z stage is transformed into an intimate concert club.
Experience Hendrix Tour
Friday, April 5, 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $79 / $89 / $99 / $150
The critically acclaimed multi-artist celebration of Jimi Hendrix began as a tribute at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. It has since blossomed into a full-fledged concert experience that has thrilled countless fans across the U.S. The tour presents a host of great artists collaborating and interpreting Hendrix’s legendary songs as part of a powerhouse, three-hour concert experience. This edition of the tour once again emphasizes the influence Hendrix has made on a diverse group of artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to see many highly regarded players performing together in a unique setting. Their Zeiterion performance will feature: Billy Cox of Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys, Joe Satriani, Taj Mahal, Dave Mustaine, Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doug Pinnick, Chris Layton, Mato Nanji, Kenny Aronoff, Slide Brothers, Henri Brown, and Kevin McCormick.
New Bedford Lyceum presents W. Kamau Bell
Saturday, April 6, 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25 / $35 / $45 / $75
Emmy-nominated comedian, political satirist and host of CNN’s United Shades of America, W. Kamau Bell delivers incisive, scathingly funny commentary on modern society that will change your view of race, politics and social issues in America. His edgy yet level-headed view of the world leaves you with a more hopeful understanding of our country’s challenges, as well as conversation-stoking takeaways on humanity and social change that will have you contemplating the state of the union long after he has left the stage.
World of Musicals
Sunday, April 7, 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35 / $45
The best of musicals in one captivating production! With beautiful ballads from Evita, Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, plus up-beat favorites from Dirty Dancing, Rock of Ages, and Mamma Mia, there’s something for everyone in this spell-binding journey of musicals. Sing along to supreme soundtracks from Rogers and Hammerstein, Gilbert and Sullivan, George Gershwin, Stephen Sondheim, and many more. An unforgettable evening for the whole family.
Whose Live Anyway?
Tuesday, April 9, 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $39 / $45 / $55
Whose Live Anyway? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Drew Carey, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage! Whose Live Anyway? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some exciting new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach. All ages welcome.
Ballet Hispánico
Friday, April 12, 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $27 / $35 / $42 / $47
For nearly 50 years Ballet Hispánico has brought communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures, and this spring the company graces The Z’s stage for a guided journey through Latin American dance forms and music. This innovative, exciting performance spotlights choreographers and cultures from Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Caribbean, and more. The nation’s premiere Latino dance organization, led by Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro, features a rich, diverse repertory by the foremost choreographers and artists who reflect the ever-changing face of our nation.
Community Dance
Saturday, April 13, 6:00 p.m.
Free
The incredible Ballet Hispánico dancers will teach you some of their best moves! This community social dance offers free dance lessons to the sounds of live music by Groupo Sazón, as well as light appetizers for a fun, festive evening! All are welcome, but must RSVP.
Dance Barre – Aroundtown: Glimpse Into Creation
Wednesday, April 24, 7:00 p.m.
Free
Join David Dorfman for an inside glimpse into the process he and his company of dancers and musicians used to create Aroundtown. You’ll be drawn into this highly imaginative world where audience members, sitting together in a dark theater, seek a way in to tenderness and then out into the world again. You’ll learn how Dorfman engages highly athletic dance with personal narrative and song to create a world where for one evening, we all belong. This event is part of the free Dance Barre series where dance fans, dancers, choreographers, and those curious about the creative process are invited to gather on The Z Stage to explore the world of dance.
Doo Wop XVII: Brothers in Harmony
Saturday, April 27, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45 / $49 / $55
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Charlie Thomas and his Drifters (“Under The Boardwalk,” “Save The Last Dance For Me”) return after a five-year absence to headline Todd Baptista’s annual trip back to the first generation of rock’n’roll and doo wop! The three-hour extravaganza will also include first-time visitors Jimmy Gallagher and the Passions (“Just To Be With You,” “I Only Want You”), the original Tymes (“So Much In Love,” “Wonderful, Wonderful”), and the group behind Dion’s classic hits, Stan Zizka’s Del Satins (“Runaround Sue,” “The Wanderer”). The evening, hosted and co-produced by Baptista, wouldn’t be complete without Jack Colombo’s Coast To Coast Band. Sing along and reminisce during an unforgettable trip down memory lane!
In To America
Sunday, April 28, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $22 / $29 / $35
An extraordinary story 400 years in the making! The American immigrant experience, from Jamestown to present day, is traced through the stories of ordinary men, women, and children who departed from their homelands in the hopes of creating a new life. This moving performance from Griffin Theatre Company transcends time, space, and race to reflect the diversity and commonalities of our shared American experience. Audience members are invited to stay for a post-show discussion following the performance.
The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide New Bedford and the region with performing arts programming of excellence that inspires, educates, engages and entertains. Tickets are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, Mass. Zeiterion Box Office regular hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and two hours before each performance.
