the Zeiterion TURNS 100!

A centennial birthday is cause for celebration! Join us throughout the year as we honor this amazing milestone.

Share Your Z Stories

In addition to the celebratory events, we’re collecting YOUR stories. Please call the Zeiterion Story Hotline at (774) 425-3417 to share a memorable moment that took place at the Zeiterion (or State Theatre) or your hopes for its future.

A Century of History

On April 2, 1923, the Zeitz family opened the last of downtown New Bedford’s glittering theaters. A hundred years later, we honor the Zeiterion – the only one of these theaters that remains operational today – and its storied history. Read more.

About the Zeitz Family

In 1922, Barney Zeitz incorporated Zeiterion Realty Corp., employing brothers Morton, Fisher and Harry. Its first project was to build a grand vaudeville theater on Purchase Street – The Zeiterion, later The State. Their empire went on to include five New Bedford theaters.

Famous Faces

The Z has presented hundreds of performers over its storied history, bringing entertainment and inspiration to New Bedford.

ALVIN AILEY DANCE • WHOOPIE GOLDBERG • ED ASNER • JOAN ARMATRADING • CHRIS ISAAK • HOWIE MANDEL • ALAN CUMMING • JOAN RIVERS • WANDA SYKES • MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE • GEORGE CARLIN • JASMINE GUY • RUBEN STUDDARD • CLAY AIKEN • ARLO GUTHRIE • BB KING • BERNADETTE PETERS • BLONDIE • DAVID BYRNE • W. KAMAU BELL • WEIRD AL • KATHY GRIFFIN • DAVID CROSBY • CYNDI LAUPER • CHRIS DAUGHTRY • DAVID SEDARIS • JAY LENO • MARIZA • MANDY PATINKIN • LILY TOMLIN • MATTHEW MORRISON • KATHARINE MCPHEE • MELISSA ETHERIDGE • JENNY MCCARTHY • TAVARES • BOB WOODWARD • GLORIA STEINEM • PATTI SMITH • WILLIAM SHATNER • SAMANTHA JOHNSON • TONY DANZA • TROMBONE SHORTY • PETER FRAMPTON • JAMES BROWN • WILLY NELSON • CROSBY & NASH • YO-YO MA • JACQUES PEPIN • KELLIE PICKLER • PAT BENATAR • DL HUGHLEY • DARLENE LOVE