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Festival Theatre is a professional regional not-for-profit performing arts organization dedicated to producing a varied selection of the best of musical theatre – from the classics to the contemporary. We engage the best local and national talent available, thus nurturing theatre artists. Responding to the diverse needs of the artistic community and the public, we serve as a cultural resource to enrich the community, the state, and the region. Festival Theatre is the winner of the NETC Moss Hart Award as Best Theatrical Production in New England for Les Miserables, Hairspray, and Mary Poppins.
Festival Theatre founder Armand Marchand and Artistic Director George Charbonneau were at the helm of the organization for 30 years. Their final production, Mama Mia, was in 2018 and broke the Zeiterion's house record with over 9,000 patrons. In May 2023, Armand and George were awarded Honorary Doctorates from Bridgewater State University for their exemplary 50-year record of presenting and producing the highest level of professional theatrical work for the Southcoast.
Visit New Bedford Festival Theatre at NBFestivalTheatre.com.
An eclectic group of sixth-graders arrives at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, each eager to win for very different reasons. Sweet and shy Olive brings only her best friend (the dictionary) with her to the bee; bold and hyperallergic speller William Barfee uses his “magic foot” to propel him to greatness; former champion Chip is struggling with his burgeoning puberty; easily distracted Leaf is unconvinced that he’s smart enough to be a challenger; overachiever Marcy is disappointed by her consistent success; and politically aware Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre only wants to impress her gay dads. In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals his/her hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition. With an engaging, tuneful score by William Finn and a sweet, funny book by Rachel Sheinkin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee causes audiences to fall in love, both with the show itself and its “perspicacious,” “jocular,” and “effervescent” spellers.
NOTE - this show is rated PG-13.