New Bedford High School to dazzle audiences with performances including SIX: Teen Edition

“Get ready to experience an unforgettable night of theatre at New Bedford High School.

Performing two shows in one night, the NBHS Drama Club is prepared to dazzle and entertain audiences of all ages. Act 1 is in partnership with the NBHS Show Choir and is an original ode to musical theatre told through the lens of an imagined school field trip to The Great White Way. Act 2 is the sensational tale of six extraordinary young women via the Teen Edition of the 2017 Broadway smash hit, SIX. This electrifying musical, a modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII, promises to captivate audiences with its dynamic performances and empowering message.

Scheduled to run Friday and Saturday, April 5-6 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 7 at 4:00 p.m. in the Bronspiegel Auditorium at New Bedford High School, the students have been tirelessly preparing to bring this exhilarating and unique production to life. The talented cast and crew have poured their hearts and souls into every aspect of the show, from the vibrant choreography to the show-stopping musical numbers and extensive costumes.

Titled “Singing in the City,” the show choir musical theatre revue will bring to life some of the most memorable Broadway songs from contemporary and classic shows, featuring fully orchestrated excerpts pulled straight from the scores. Then, SIX: Teen Edition puts a contemporary twist on history, giving voice to the wives of Henry VIII as they reclaim their stories and share their experiences through the power of music and storytelling. Audiences can expect to be transported on a journey filled with humor, heartache, and ultimately, empowerment, as each queen takes center stage to tell her side of the story. The combination of these two shows into one evening celebrates the transformative and inclusive nature of theatre. There is truly something for everybody on the stage!

“These productions of Singing in the City and SIX: Teen Edition are a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our students,’ said Sarah Cadieux Pacheco and Stephanie Donnelly, Drama Club Co-Directors. Drama Club Assistant Director, Ricardo Aguiar, shared, “These students have worked tirelessly to bring these moments to life in a way that is fresh, exciting, and relevant to audiences of all ages. We couldn’t be prouder of what they have accomplished, and we can’t wait for everyone to see the amazing performances they have in store.”

Tickets for Singing in the City and SIX: Teen Edition are available online: our.show/nbhsrevueandsix or in person at the NBHS Box Office beginning one hour before each show. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, $12 for adults, with a $2 processing fee per ticket. Don’t miss your chance to witness this unforgettable theatrical experience, brought to you by the next generation of rising stars in the world of musical theater.

Singing in the City and SIX: Teen Edition are supported, in part, by the New Bedford Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. SIX: Teen Edition is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, www.concordtheatricals.com.”




“Walking Dead” spinoff, “Dead City” seeks extras from Boston area for Season 2 episodes

“Kendall Cooper Casting is seeking people local to Boston to work as extras on “Dead City S2”. Filming will be in Boston, MA and surrounding areas APRIL through JULY 2024.

The casting team is looking for people of all ages and ethnicities local to the Boston area to portray walkers, soldiers, post apocalyptic survivors, and various other extra roles throughout the season. Specifically seeking athletes and people with military or law enforcement experience to play soldiers.

Also seeking capable people with weathered faces to play survivors in the apocalypse. Also looking for people who are very thin, tall and have flexible/available schedules to play walkers.

Filming generally takes place MON-FRI. Filming will typically be a 12+ hour commitment for each day of work. Some extra roles will only require 1 or 2 days of work. Others will be recurring throughout the season. All extra work and fittings are paid. Seeking SAG and Non-Union talent. Local hire only, no travel or housing provided.”-Kendall Cooper Casting.




New Bedford’s Samantha Johnson goes viral on “The Rock’s” Instagram

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted a video of New Bedford native Samantha Johnson’s reaction to his WWE return on Instagram. Over 71 million views later, its safe to say the New Bedford native went viral on social media!

The Rock captioned the video, “That “IF YA SMELLL” Rock music just hits the soul differently – especially when it’s a surprise
??????

Awesome reaction from @samanthairvinwwe, who’s doing an amazing job on the mic for @wwe!??
She’s a bad ass!

#peopleschamp ✊?”

Checkout the viral video below!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)




New Bedford’s ‘Your Theatre Inc.’ announces cast for Tony nominated ‘A Doll’s House Part 2’

“Your Theatre, Inc. director James Sanguinetti of New Bedford has cast four area actors in the drama A DOLL’s HOUSE PART 2 by multi-award winning playwright Lucas Hnath.

This is the second major production for Your Theatre’s 77th Season. This production is generously backed by Production Sponsor Hawthorn Medical Associates and Production Supporter Bristol County Savings Bank.

The cast includes Lucy Bly of New Bedford, Caroline Paradis and Eric Paradis of Fairhaven, and Kayla Ribeiro of Cumberland, RI. The production is stage managed by Eva Watts-Pine of New Bedford, with costumes and set dressing by Mark P. Fuller of New Bedford, hair styles by Suzanne J. Houbre of New Bedford, lighting design by Timothy Helley of Dartmouth, sound design by James Sanguinetti of New Bedford and set design and technical direction from Lawrence R. Houbre, Jr. of New Bedford.

A DOLL’S HOUSE PART 2, the 2017 Tony award nominated play, picks up 15 years after Henrik Ibsen’s groundbreaking 1879 play (A DOLL’S HOUSE) about a strong woman who defiantly leaves her husband, left off. Nora, now a successful novelist, has returned to her house, husband, and children that she left behind when her new life is threatened by her past. Your Theatre produced A Doll’s House play 15 years ago, with Caroline and Eric Paradis in the lead roles of Nora and Torvald.

Nominated for 8 Tony awards in its original Broadway run, including Best Play, A DOLL’S HOUSE PART 2 provides a modern spin on the Ibsen classic and is filled with suspense, humor, and intensity. The Hollywood reporter says that it “delivers explosive laughs while also posing thoughtful questions about marriage, gender inequality, and human rights” while Variety called it “a slam dunk.”

Your Theatre is grateful for the generous support of Bank 5, sponsor of the theatre’s current 77th season. This is their twelfth year of strongly supporting the arts at Your Theatre, Inc.

A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 runs two weekends in 2024: Fridays and Saturdays, January 19-20 and 26-27 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays, May 20-21 and 27-28 at 2:00 p.m.

Performances are at the wheelchair accessible Steeple Playhouse, 159 William St. in downtown New Bedford. The accessible entrance is located on the east side of the building facing City Hall. Ample parking is available in the city lot at the corner of 6th and William, and metered street parking is free nights and weekends.

Tickets are General Admission $25; Seniors, Students and Military $22. Subscriptions tickets are available at $20 per show with a three show minimum. Additional offers may apply. All seats are general admission; call 508-993-0772 or email boxoffice@yourtheatre.org.

Your Theatre is proud to participate in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between the Mass Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, by broadening accessibility to cultural programming. Admission for EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders, is up to 2 tickets per eligible card for each Regular Production. Admission rate is $5.00 per person.

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ABOUT YOUR THEATRE INC
Your Theatre, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer, community theater group in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Founded by Mary A. Smith in 1946, the theater has been in continuous operation since, and produces four to seven shows each season. The artistic and leadership team of YTI strives to create and celebrate the arts with the Southcoast community in an inclusive theatre environment. We are committed to providing an accessible, community-oriented opportunity for anyone interested in
theatre and embracing individuals from all walks of life.

We acknowledge, welcome and respect people of all races, ages, ethnicities, abilities, religions, gender identities and sexual orientations and the invaluable gifts they bring to the theatre experience. Your Theatre, Inc. is a proud member of the League of Historic American Theatres.

ABOUT STEEPLE PLAYHOUSE
Steeple Playhouse is a community arts center with Your Theatre, Inc. as its resident community theater group and is located at 159 William St, New Bedford MA. A prominent downtown New Bedford landmark, the steeple appears on the city seal. Built in 1829 as the First Baptist Church, it came to be known as the “Birthplace of Robert’s Rules of Order”.

Purchased in 2017, Your Theatre, Inc worked with a local preservation organization, Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (WHALE), to renovate the historic space and turn it into a fully functional community arts center called Steeple Playhouse. The facilities include a flexible theater which will seat up to 160 as well as a black box theater on the lower level.

Wheelchair accessible, Steeple Playhouse is open for outside rentals. We are another vital catalyst in New Bedford’s continued cultural renaissance.”




Wareham Police announce operation of Polar Express Train in town this year!

“Just a reminder to everyone that the Polar Express Train will be operating during this holiday season. Please be aware that there will be heavier train traffic through town.

Nice to see that this locomotive is still out and running. It was built in 1957 and 1 of 60 that were built.

We are lucky to have such a big piece of railroad history operating in our town.”-Wareham Police Department.


From the Polar Express Train’s website:

“Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a 1 to 1 ½ hour trip to meet Santa.

Santa and his elves board the train at the North Pole to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. Please be sure to have your camera ready to capture this moment! During the trip, characters on each car lead fantastic onboard entertainment – just like in the film! Each child will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Delicious hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread cookies – the “Official Onboard Treat” of THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, which are individually wrapped in sealed packages, will be served to each passenger during the run.

We recommend wearing your Christmas jammies for even more fun!”



See more photos here.




New Bedford High School Drama Club presents ‘The Crucible,’ 3 dates only

Students to stage gripping production of Arthur Miller’s classic – a play for our times.

“The spotlight is set to illuminate the stage as the New Bedford High School Drama Club proudly presents Arthur Miller’s timeless masterpiece, The Crucible. Under the direction of Stephanie Donnelly and Sarah Cadieux Pacheco, and assisted by Lucien Spelman and Ricardo Aguiar, this talented group of students is poised to captivate audiences with their powerful and compelling interpretation of this classic tale.

Dates: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 1-3, 2023
Times: 7:00 p.m. (Friday and Saturday); 2:00 p.m. (Sunday matinee)
Location: NBHS Bronspiegel Auditorium, 230 Hathaway Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02740

The Crucible is a riveting drama that explores the devastating consequences of mass hysteria and the power of fear in a tight-knit community. Set against the backdrop of the Salem witch trials, the play examines the complexities of human nature and the impact of unchecked authority. The New Bedford High School Drama Club’s production promises to deliver a thought-provoking and emotionally charged experience for all who attend.

“We are thrilled to bring The Crucible to life on our stage,” said Stephanie Donnelly, Co-Director of the New Bedford High School Drama Club. “This production showcases the incredible talent and dedication of our students as they delve into the complexities of Miller’s work. It’s a story that remains relevant today, and we believe it will resonate with audiences of all ages.”

Senior Elijah Carrion portrays John Proctor. He shared that “Working on The Crucible has been such an amazing experience. Being able to work with such an amazing cast and directors has overall been such an honor.” Junior Angie Furness portrays John’s wife, Elizabeth, and she noted, “Portraying Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible has been a very weighty process to say the least. Having to embody the dread, heartbreak, anxiety, and denial that Elizabeth holds within herself is far from easy, but I couldn’t be more honored to be doing so. I am eternally grateful for such an opportunity to take on this incredible role.”

The cast and crew have been working tirelessly to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant production which promises to transport the audience to the heart of 17th-century Salem, where the characters grapple with morality, justice, and the consequences of false accusations.

To prepare, Drama Club students studied the events of the 1690s in Salem and the events of the 1950s Red Scare with local, retired history teacher Thomas Cadieux. Drama Club President, senior Lillie-Marie LeClair who portrays Governor Danforth shared, “Working on The Crucible has allowed us to work on deeper emotions and expand our acting skills while also gaining the opportunity to not only educate ourselves about the witch trials, but also the audience through our performance.”

The New Bedford High School Drama Club invites the community to join them for an unforgettable evening of theatre and reflection. Tickets for The Crucible are available for purchase at our.show/nbhscrucible or in the lobby before each show.

Don’t miss this opportunity to support the talent and dedication of the New Bedford High School Drama Club as they bring Arthur Miller’s masterpiece to life. For more information, please contact Lynn Souza, Director of Fine Arts, at (508) 997- 4511, ext. 14104.”-New Bedford High School.




Bridgewater Triangle Phenomena: hauntings, curses, murders, Satanism, Bigfoot, or just hooey?

By Bailey Bisson.

The Bridgewater Triangle is an area of about 200 square miles located in southeastern Massachusetts, United States. The area is known for a variety of unexplained phenomena, including reports of UFO sightings, Bigfoot sightings, ghosts, reports of cult activity and unresolved murders. The boundaries of the Bridgewater Triangle are somewhat disputed, but the general area includes the towns of Abington, Freetown, and Rehoboth.

The Bridgewater Triangle attracted national attention during the 1970s, when reports of strange occurrences in the area started to surface. Many people believe that the area is cursed, or haunted, due to its history of Native American conflicts, colonial battles, and mysterious disappearances. Some also believe that the area is a vortex or portal to other dimensions.


The Bridgewater Triangle. Facebook photo.

In addition to paranormal activity, the Bridgewater Triangle is also known for environmental anomalies. The Hockomock Swamp, which is located in the center of the triangle, is known for its quicksand, sinkholes, and other hazards. The swamp is also home to a variety of rare and endangered plant and animal species. You can see a fantastic inforgraphic map with all its incidents here.

Florida resident and Published author of paranormal literature, Christopher Balzano, appeared in a podcast known as OldColonyCast to share information regarding alleged eeriness within the Bridgewater Triangle.

“We have a saying now: ‘The triangle will never get big.’ It’s an obsessive topic for people who are in the area, and anyone who hears about it, but people aren’t hearing about it as much as they should,” said Balzano.

Despite the rumors and legends surrounding the Bridgewater Triangle, skeptics argue that there is no credible evidence to support the claims of paranormal activity. Some suggest that the area’s reputation is simply the result of folklore and urban legend, which have been perpetuated over time.


Carl Drew’s mugshot. Facebook photo.

One of the most notorious cases of cult activity and murder in the Bridgewater Triangle is the case of Carl Drew and Robin Murphy. In the early 1980s, Drew and Murphy were accused of being members of a satanic cult that operated in the area, and were charged with the murder of several women who were believed to have been involved with the cult.

The case was complicated and controversial, with some arguing that the murders were the result of drug-fueled, non-ritualistic violence rather than satanic rituals. Nevertheless, Drew and Murphy were both found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

However, in 2021, Robin Murphy was released from prison due to a change in Massachusetts law that allows for parole after 25 years for juveniles convicted of murder. Drew died in prison in 2008.

Despite the convictions, the case remains shrouded in mystery and controversy, and the possibility of a larger, organized cult operating in the Bridgewater Triangle continues to be a subject of debate among those interested in the paranormal and unsolved crimes.


15-year-old Mary Lou Arruda, abducted and killed by James M. Kater and 17-year old prostitute Doreen Levesque allegedly killed by her pimp Carl Drew, however many believe both teens were victims of a Satanic cult. Facebook photo.




New Bedford’s 2023 Veterans Day Parade a smashing success!

It was a beautiful, fall Saturday morning on Union Street for New Bedford’s 2023 Veterans Day Parade and I must say, not every city puts on a parade like New Bedford does!

Horses, candy, music, retro cars, what else could you ask for in a parade? If you were unable to attend the parade, no worries, we got you covered! We have a full photo gallery along with a live video of the entire parade on Facebook. Check it out below!

Full photo gallery:

Livestream of the entire parade:




Argentinian uses flight simulator to explore New Bedford from the skies

“My name is Joaquín Gelmini, and I’m excited to share a video I created using Microsoft Flight Simulator, a remarkable simulator that replicates our entire planet at a 1:1 scale in real time. This simulator employs satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to recreate the world with stunning fidelity to reality.

The primary goal of my YouTube channel, JoaHa45, is to take viewers on a virtual journey around the globe. Through this immersive experience, we can explore and appreciate how our countries, cities, towns, and even our own homes are represented within the simulator.

As of now, my channel boasts over 1700 videos. Among these, 182 are dedicated to exploring the United States, with the remainder showcasing flights across a multitude of countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Spain.

My journey began on September 18, 2020, at Morón Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From that starting point, I meticulously planned and executed a flight route that would take me around the world.

Thank you very much in advance for taking the time to read this message. I invite you to watch the video, which captures the beauty and realism of this incredible simulator.”-Warm regards from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Joaquin Gelmini.

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Have a talent, story, or opinion you want to share with greater New Bedford? Inbox us or email info@newbedfordguide.com.




‘Friends’ Actor and Massachusetts Native Matthew Perry Has Died

Matthew Perry, originally a MA native who gained stardom as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54.

The Emmy-nominated actor was found dead of an apparent drowning at his home Saturday, This, according to the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ, which was the first to report the news. Both of these outlets cited unnamed sources confirming Perry’s death. Perry had previously detailed extensive drug and alcohol abuse during the peak of his career that followed him for years. Last year he opened up publicly about his struggles in his memoir.

Asked by AP to confirm police response to what was listed as Perry’s home address LAPD Officer Drake Madison told The Associated Press that officers had gone there “for a death investigation of a male in his 50s.”

The popular series Friends ran from 1994 through 2004. Recently, a reunion special in 2021 was hosted by James Corden and fed into huge interest in seeing the cast together again. No follow up or sequel to the show was ever seriously discussed.

Perry received one Emmy nomination for his “Friends” role and two more for appearances as an associate White House counsel on “The West Wing.”

Perry was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on August 19, 1969. His mother, Suzanne Marie Morrison (née Langford, born 1948), is a Canadian journalist who served as press secretary to former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. His father, John Bennett Perry (born 1941), is an American actor and former model.