5 minute read
Seasonal shows
by Sean McCarthy
The most wonderful time of the year is arriving, and amidst your holiday bustle you can take some time to enjoy some quality live performances.
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Whether it’s a date night or an evening for the whole family, December offers multiple opportunities for entertainment in the South Coast – performances that can make your season even more merry.
Beginning on Saturday, November 26 and running through Sunday, December 4, the New Bedford Festival Theatre will present eight performances of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Zeiterion Theatre at 684 Purchase Street in downtown. The show is notable this year because it will feature Broadway star David Elder.
“We’re just so excited that David is bringing such professionalism not only to the Festival Theatre but to the Zeiterion,” says the show’s Executive Director, Wendy Hall. “We’ve had some incredible performers in the past, but this is definitely the most Broadwaytenured performer we’ve ever had.”
Elder has experience with this production. In addition to Broadway, he has performed it on national tours.
“David knows the gig and he’s wonderful at it,” Hall says. “We’re excited to give this region a quality Broadway musical. I can’t express my giddiness enough that he has agreed to lead our production.”
With full sets, full costumes, and a full orchestra, the show is known for its celebration of the season with a dazzling and uplifting score. The film version is a staple of holiday movie watching.
This is Hall’s second time presenting White Christmas. She choreographed it in 2013 at the Wick Theatre in Florida. This is the 33rd season for the New Bedford Festival Theatre.
Up on the rooftops
On Thursday, December 8, downtown New Bedford will bristle with the energy of the holidays as AHA! Night hosts it’s annual Starry Night celebration. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the district will include numerous musical performances that will accompany the unique shopping and dining opportunities that only downtown can offer. The streets and store windows will be illuminated and decorated in the seasonal spirit for all visitors to enjoy.
At 5 p.m., the New Bedford Whaling Museum will be the site of the Marion Sippican Youth Band, a group of sixth grade students who will be performing holiday selections.
At 7 p.m., The South Coast Children’s Chorus will be joined by the UMass Dartmouth Choir to present a concert at the First Unitarian Church at the corner of Union Street and 8th Street.
Throughout the evening the streets will be the site of a moveable performance by the South Coast Brass Band, led by Dr. Michael Rocha, playing popular Christmas music.
“This will be a great day to be walking around the streets of downtown, experiencing this special time of year and hearing the music of the season,” says AHA! Executive Director Lee Heald. “At the same time you can be shopping for the gifts you can only find in downtown New Bedford.”
Center stage
On Saturday, December 11, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra will present two performances of its annual Holiday Pops Concert at the Zeiterion Theatre. Shows will be at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., and will include the Southeastern Massacusetts Youth Orchestra.
“We believe that this is the best holiday show in town because everyone loves Christmas carols, and to hear them performed by a live orchestra is like nothing else,” says Conee Sousa, Marketing Director for the NBSO. “Just walking into the decorated theater with a 12-foot Christmas tree is a thrill, but the hour of amazing music with Conductor Yaniv Dinur’s humor mixed in makes it really fun. Many families have made it an annual tradition and wouldn’t think about missing it. It’s such a festive atmosphere!”
Little Theatre of Fall River will present the musical “Church Basement Ladies” on December 1 through 4, and 8 through 11. A show that has played to sold out audiences in Minneapolis, Minnesota for 29 years, the production is set in a fictional church basement for an evening of humor, heart-warming turns and down-to-earth sentiments. Featuring a pastor, three kitchen cooks, and a daughter, the cast staves off potential disasters while having fun, sharing and debating recipes, while keeping the pastor on due course.
“What people will enjoy about this show is the familiar feelings that come from being part of a church or a community group, presented in a homey, light-hearted fashion,” says Jared Robinson, Public Relations Chairperson for Little Theatre.
The show was selected by Director Bobby Perry.
“Bobby is a master of finding cool, unknown shows and bringing them to the region,” Robinson says. “He always brings great musicianship and great talent to our stage.”
Located at 340 Prospect Street, this will be the 75th year of performances for Little Theatre.
