Malasadas, carne de espeto and Madeira wine, oh my!

The New Bedford Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, a.k.a. the Portuguese Feast, a.k.a. Madeira Feast is the largest event New Bedford has every year. More than that, it is the largest Portuguese feast in the world and the largest ethnic festival in New England. The feast was founded in 1915 by four Madeiran immigrants who wanted to recreate the festivities of their home island.

Here is an overview of the 108th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament which has become a major attraction for visitors from all over who come to celebrate the Portuguese culture through food, drink, and entertainment.

1. Location & Schedule of Events

The “feast” is a four-day event, officially kicking off at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 1st with the assembly of the Festeiros (Feast Committee Members) at the intersection of Earle Street and Acushnet Avenue.

Led by the Feast President, the Festeiros march in a special procession down Earle Street to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church which is located at the corner of Earle Street and Madeira Avenue. At the church, Father Daniel O. Reis celebrates a special Benediction to the Blessed Sacrament.

Each evening the feast grounds will close at 11:45pm. On Friday, the grounds will open up at Friday – 5:00pm, but on Saturday and Sunday they will open up at 12:00pm.

The Carnival will open all four days of the Feast. Cushing Amusements is a family owned and operated traveling carnival. You can visit their Facebook Page to see past events and a glimpse at some of their entertainment and rides.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.Walgreen’s Family Fun Day is from 12-4:00pm on Saturday. Children under 12 eat for “free”; a free burger, hot dog, French fries and a soda. A perfect weekend day for families to bring along the little ones and not worry about having to pay high prices. A ton of fun events and activities are planned including face painting, a traveling science museum, music by the Toe Jam Puppet Band, carnival rides, a free book, flash mob and routine by Dance Xtreme, and more. This year there are some new rides!

In addition, from 12-4:00 PM, the Main Pavilion welcomes all seniors to enjoy a choice-of-menu dinner at a 50% discount! Menu choices include roast beef, chicken, fish, cacoila, and the somewhat more exotic roast goat or rabbit, traditional Portuguese favorites. The buffet is arranged in a way that visitors are allowed to sample more than one entree with their ‘Caldo Verde’ (Portuguese green soup) and a “pop” (small) handmade bread. A coffee or soft drink is also included. Malassadas (sugared fried dough) dessert is extra and there may be a line, but the cost is low.

The last day of the feast is Sunday and will feature a parade at 2:00pm with over forty different organizations marching the one mile route from Brooklawn Park to the Feast grounds at Madeira Field.

This year organizers are pulling out all the stops and there will be Color Guards, Marching Bands, Folkloric Groups, Jugglers, Giant Puppets, Gigantic Clydesdale Horses,Steel Drum Band, Bagpipers, Veterans Groups, Community & Cultural Heritage Organizations and much more!

Parade Route:
The parade begins at Brooklawn Park and proceeds south on Acushnet Avenue to Earle Street, turns east onto Earle Street and continues to the Immaculate Conception Church.
It then turns north onto Madeira Avenue and proceeds to Madeira Field 
where it enters the Feast grounds and past the reviewing stand at Stage 1.

2. Costs

There is no charge for admission and the entertainment is free thanks to the hard work of the committee members who comprise the 2024 Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Committee which in an historic move welcomed women. You can read about the decision here

Feast members come from all over the country to plan the feast each year, some as far away as California and Florida. Some of the members will be traveling from across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South Africa to attend the feast, but in the meantime, they have had family members representing them at the committee meetings.

While admission is free to walk around and watch the entertainment or visit the Museum of Madeiran Heritage there are also many vendors on the grounds selling everything from handmade Madeiran souvenirs to cigars. Of course, food, carnival rides, and beverages are also an additional cost.

Prices of food are kept reasonable, and there is a great deal of variety to choose from. Tickets cost a dollar each and can be purchased at many machines located throughout the grounds by placing a five, ten or twenty dollar bill inside. Tickets are non-refundable. There are also stands with employees who sell the tickets.

To give you a general idea of the prices of items at the feast, a full meal is 12 tickets, most sandwiches are around four tickets, and a soda or water goes for one ticket. If you’re over 21, an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages is available to choose from.

3. Food

One of the greatest features of the feast is the delicious Portuguese fare. There are many food stands located throughout Madeira Field that serve your favorites from the simple delights of linguica and cacoila sandwiches to full-on Portuguese cuisine plates of chicken, beef, goat or tuna with potatoes, rice, and vegetables.

Another major culinary draw is the Carne de Espeto, a massive, 40-foot barbecue pit where beef sirloin cubes can be cooked over an open flame on massive skewers. This is hard to miss since the aroma is absolutely mouthwatering. Visitors are able to buy the meat for eight tickets a pound and a delicious aromatic salt is provided to cook with.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.Visitors are then able to roast their own dinner over the gas-fired lava rock grill. Mr. Camara, (who has been a part of the organization since 1982) advised me that if someone tells you to pour Madeira wine on the meat it is not advisable (it does not help the flavor and causes the meat to burn faster!)

Other items that will be featured at the feast include Milho Frito, fried cornmeal, garlic and finely shredded kale make this the perfect treat to go with Carne de Espeto, pasteis de Bacalau (codfish cakes), atum, cabra, favas, coelho, carne de vinho e alhos, malassadas, tremocos and other Portuguese classics. There will also be ice-cold fresh fruit cups, the perfect way to cool down for health-conscious attendees.

In case you are not accustomed to the flavorful cooking style of Portuguese cuisine, go to the Food & Drink page of the Portuguese Feast website for definitions of some of the food you might expect to see.

4. Drink

One of the draws of the feast is the consumption of Madeira wine, which is a central part of the festivities as it is part of a long tradition. Madeira wine is a sweet, fortified red wine. Genuine Madeira wine is made on the island of Madeira, and exportation of actual barrels are restricted due to regulations. However, thanks to a special agreement made between feast officials and the President of Madeira, casks are able to be delivered to New Bedford and served for the weekend, making this a very rare treat for those who attend.

For those who don’t find that the taste of Madeira wine suits their pallet, there are a great variety of additional options including a full liquor bar for mix drinks and frozen drinks. Alcohol stands also serve sangria and white wine and Budweiser beer is on tap.

If you wish to partake in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, you will need to have your ID scanned when you enter the feast grounds in order to receive a wristband that proves you are legally old enough to be served.

There will be additional ID stations at this year’s feast due to the anticipated increase in numbers of attendees.

5. Entertainment

There is a great deal of quality free entertainment at the feast each year from Portuguese and American cultures. There are four separate stages of entertainment on the main grounds and a “Fado” stage at the Museum of Madeiran Heritage Courtyard Venue – these performances will be featuring a Portuguese genre of music that can be traced back to the 1820s but is believed to be even older than that.

One of the cultural acts that you may see take the stage at Madeira field is Groupo Folclorico Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento. This group of dancers presents traditional dancing performances to authentic Madeiran music and in traditional clothing. These performances are always very spirited and interesting to see.

There will be many bands on the smaller stages during the feast, but the largest stage is reserved for a special performance at 10:00 each night by a headliner band. The 2024 Feast Headliner will be…..Badfish!

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.The phenomenon known as Sublime, arguably the most energetic, original and uniquely eclectic band to emerge from any scene, anywhere, ended with the untimely death of lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Brad Nowell in May of 1996.

But encompassing the sense of place and purpose long associated with Sublime’s music, Badfish continues to channel the spirit of Sublime with a fury not felt for some time. What separates Badfish from other bands is that they have replicated Sublime’s essence, developing a scene and dedicated following most commonly reserved for label-driven, mainstream acts.

Badfish make their mark on the audience by playing with the spirit of Sublime. They perform not as Sublime would have, or did, but as Badfish does!”-Feast of the Blessed Sacrament.

BADFISH will be headling Thursday Night from 10:00pm-11:30pm on Stage 1.

Headlining Friday Night will be the FOOZ FIGHTERS from 10:00pm-11:30pm on Stage 1. The Award Winning Foo Fighters tribute band featuring dynamic frontman Nicky Rich, FOOZ FIGHTERS have blazed a trail to become the most sought-after Foo Fighters tribute band in the Nation.

Headlining Saturday Night will be NELIA from 10:00pm-11:30pm on Stage 1. Nelia is a local singer determined to break down long-standing barriers in the Luso-American community. On stage, she manages to capture mature audiences with her ethnic-flavored music while captivating younger crowds with her amazing stage presence.

Headlining Sunday Night will be BAND FAITH from 10:00pm-11:30pm on Stage 1). With almost 3 decades of music under their belt, New Bedford, Ma based BandFaith has been performing their mix of Portuguese/Latin fused music for fans all over the world.

For more information on when and where events will be taking place, go to the Portuguese Feast Entertainment Schedule.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.
Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.

6. Families

Since the Madeira feast involves alcohol consumption, some readers may be wondering if it is a family-appropriate event. You will be glad to know that family values are integral to the foundation of the feast. While it is probably not advisable to bring young children later in the night due to large crowds and loud music, it should be mentioned that there are many features of the feast that children will love. Also, the feast takes great measures to prohibit underage drinking. All who wish to consume alcoholic beverages are required to undergo a license verification process in order to receive a specially printed wristband.

Additional security precautions are always taken due to its size and significance. Few people realize this, but the Feast grounds are wired with such advanced cameras that all feast goers are on at least two cameras at any given time.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.

7. History

The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament gains its roots from the island of Madeira which is located 390 miles off the coast of Morocco. Traditionally, each Roman Catholic parish in Madeira would observe a festival to celebrate their patron saint. A committee of four men called festeiros would be responsible for preparing the village for the celebration by decorating the streets, contracting entertainment (often in the form of a brass band and fireworks) and holding a ceremonial meal after mass on Sunday.

There are many versions of the tale of why the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament was first begun in New Bedford over 100 years ago. What is certain, however, is that the feast was initiated as a means of preserving basic values of the Madeiran culture. Of course, since it was first begun the feast has changed in many ways to accommodate thousands of eager participants and modern elements of the celebration.

While there have been many changes in the feast, many aspects still remain central to the celebration. The tradition of Madeira wine is a very old one, dating back to the 15th Century when the Malvasia vine was planted on the island of Madeira to see it would yield an alternative supply of wine for England. When growth was successful Madeira wine quickly took to the market, but did not become a major export until many years later. It wasn’t until the 16th Century that the flavor we know of today was created when they discovered that the flavor of the wine was actually improved by being repeatedly heated up. Follow the link for more information on the history of Madeira wine.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.The religious aspect of the feast also remains a part of proceedings. As it did in 1915, the feast still takes place near Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, which is located on the corner of Earle and Madeira Street in New Bedford. The Portuguese feast pays homage to its religious traditions by beginning the weekend festivities with a procession to the church where Father Daniel O. Reis gives a Benediction to the Blessed Sacrament.

The last day of the feast starts with Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and “the Festeiros, Club Madeirense S. S. Sacramento, Inc. members, and all of the many volunteers receive the blessings of the church for their many hours of work devoted to achieving a successful Feast and for being respectful of its religious origins”. Throughout the weekend the church also hosts a wonderful musical series of organ music and vocalists. The details of this schedule are still being finalized.

8. Madeira Field

Most of the events take place at Madeira Field, which is a permanent location in New Bedford’s north end, which comes to life one weekend a year for the festivities. The address of Madeira Field is 50 Madeira Avenue, New Bedford, MA (88 Tinkham Street on your GPS). Parking can be a bit tricky, you may have to plan to search a bit to find a spot and walk a few blocks, or pay to park in a nearby private lot.

The grounds on which the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament takes place are quite expansive and easy to lose people in. Be sure you have a plan for finding lost party members whether it be by cell phone or a designated area to meet up at.

When entering the feast you will need to get in line for a wristband if you wish to purchase alcoholic beverages. One of the most prominent features you will notice upon entering the festival grounds is the Santana House. The house is designed after the colorful architectural styles of the homes in the village Santana, Madeira and is where the Madeira wine is served from.

Across from the Santana House is Stage One, which is massive and where the main attractions will be hosted throughout the weekend. There are also two other smaller stages, one that is inside the gates and the other which is outside and amongst the souvenir vendors. You will also see many food and drink stands throughout the grounds, and towards the back, you will find the barbecue pits for Carne de Espeto (or just follow your nose).

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Feast of the Blessed Sacrament

50 Madeira Avenue
New Bedford, MA

Phone: (508) 992-6911
Email: clubesss@comcast.net

Website: feastoftheblessedsacrament.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FeastOfTheBlessedSacrament/

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“Can you believe these fluffy little chicks will grow up to be the fastest bird on Earth and fierce predators?

Yesterday, our biologists banded three recently hatched peregrine falcon chicks from a nesting box on MassDOT’s Gillis Bridge.

During the banding, biologists assessed the health of the falcon chicks and placed identifying bands on their legs. These bands provide useful information about the birds’ movements, lifespan, and injury recovery.

MassWildlife and MassDOT partner to provide nest boxes to protect both wildlife and infrastructure. Peregrine falcons are excellent at hunting pigeons, who are known for leaving acidic and corrosive droppings that wear away at our bridges and increase needed maintenance. When nesting peregrine falcons are near, the pigeons stay away and the bridges have a longer lifespan – a win for everyone!

Learn more about peregrine falcons, our efforts to conserve them, and a link to a nest cam at bit.ly/MA-peregrine.”-Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

Cape Cod Pirate Festival to Set Sail on June 1-2 and June 8-9.

“SOUTH YARMOUTH: Mark your calendars for the weekends of June 1-2 and June 8-9 when the 2024 Cape Cod Pirate Festival (www.capecodpiratefestival.com) comes to Joshua Sears Memorial Field at 28 Wood Road in South Yarmouth. Tickets half-price for Yarmouth residents on June 1.

The 4th annual swashbuckling event will kick off at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 1st in celebration of Yarmouth Day. Local and state officials are expected to participate in the opening ceremony.

Presented by New Latitude Event Solutions (www.newlatitudeevents.com), the two roguish weekends will feature entertainment, swashbuckling adventures, rollicking music, crafts, black powder and cannon demonstrations, axe and knife throwing, beverage tastings, open mic opportunities and much more.

Get ready for some pirate-themed fun, explore wares from local and far-off vendors, sample fare to satisfy the heartiest of appetites, and prepare for a jolly good time.

The festival will run from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For additional details and ticket information, please visit (www.capecodpiratefestival.com).

Tickets are half-price for Yarmouth residents on June 1.”

“Our 2024 Feast Headliner will be…..Badfish!

The phenomenon known as Sublime, arguably the most energetic, original and uniquely eclectic band to emerge from any scene, anywhere, ended with the untimely death of lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Brad Nowell in May of 1996.

But encompassing the sense of place and purpose long associated with Sublime’s music, Badfish continues to channel the spirit of Sublime with a fury not felt for some time. What separates Badfish from other bands is that they have replicated Sublime’s essence, developing a scene and dedicated following most commonly reserved for label-driven, mainstream acts.

Badfish make their mark on the audience by playing with the spirit of Sublime. They perform not as Sublime would have, or did, but as Badfish does!”-Feast of the Blessed Sacrament.

See the Feast’s full entertainment lineup here.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.

_______________________________________________________

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament

50 Madeira Ave,
New Bedford, MA

Phone: (508) 992-6911
Email: clubesss@comcast.net

Facebook: facebook.com/FeastOfTheBlessedSacrament
Website: feastoftheblessedsacramentcom.ning.com

“Despite all of our officers shining like stars, one in particular has ventured into the realm of “Hollywood” fame.

Recently, news broke out about the NBPD’s very own School Resource Officer Shane Harris starring in the new “Challengers” movie, which hit theaters in April.

While mentoring two students to follow their goals and dreams, Harris had made a bet that if they got their grades up in school and worked hard in the Air Force Program, he would do whatever they wanted. Little did he know that a bet he started between himself and two students 5 years ago would lead him to follow his own dreams…

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

Harris has always wanted to be an actor, and since 2020, he has starred in several movies, TV shows, and commercials. But before even auditioning for a role, he wanted to see what it would be like to work on set. When he heard that a scene from the 2019 movie “Jungleland” starring Charlie Hunnam and Jack O’Connell would be filmed in New Bedford, he called his friend who owned a Security Company to pick up some part-time shifts as a security guard.

Shane’s acting career began when he landed his first on-screen role as a Security Guard in the 2020 movie, Godmothered. He’s since been featured in the TV series Hightown as the Deputy Sherrif, has been a featured guest on Pause with Sam Jay, has played a detective in the 2023 movie Boston Strangler, played alongside Mark Cubin as an investigator in Good Burger 2, and is most known for his most recent role as Zendaya’s Security Guard in Challengers. He also has done commercials for Amazon, Titleist, and Spectrum News.

What’s next for Ofc. Harris? Besides patrolling the hallways of Whaling City Jr. Sr. High School (which he does a FANTASTIC job at, by the way), you can also catch him in theaters this August as a Swatt Commander in Ben Affleck’s new movie “The Instigators” starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck!

We’re so proud of you Ofc. Harris — we look forward to watching you on the big screen!”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

“New Bedford, Massachusetts: The annual Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, the largest Portuguese festival in the United States, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated performance of the acclaimed folkloric group from Madeira, Portugal, Grupo Folclórico da Casa do Povo da Camacha. Scheduled to take place from August 1st to August 4th, 2024, in New Bedford, Ma. This cultural extravaganza promises to captivate audiences with the rich traditions and vibrant performances of Madeiran folklore.

The 108th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament is proud to present the , Grupo Folclórico da Casa do Povo da Camacha renowned folkloric group from Madeira, Portugal, in an exclusive series of performances showcasing the island’s authentic music, dance, and heritage.

When: August 1st – 4th, 2024
Where: The 108th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament New Bedford, Massachusetts

About the Folkloric Group:
Hailing from the picturesque island of Madeira, Portugal, this esteemed folkloric ensemble is renowned worldwide for its captivating performances that celebrate the island’s cultural heritage. With a repertoire spanning centuries-old traditions, colorful costumes, and lively music, the group embodies the spirit of Madeiran folklore and transports audiences to the heart of this enchanting destination.

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About the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament:
The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, also known as the “Feast,” is a cherished tradition that celebrates Portuguese culture, cuisine, and community. Established in 1915 by Portuguese-Madeiran immigrants in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Feast has grown into one of the largest and most beloved festivals of its kind in the World, attracting thousands of visitors each year.“

“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.”

“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.

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
??????

#peopleschamp ✊?”

Checkout the viral video below!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)

“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”.

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