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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.
THIS PERFORMANCE IS SOLD OUT
Local superstars Erin and Matt Ban are spreading holiday cheer once again this year!
The married duo are back with Home for the Holidays, a brilliant performance of festive favorites including “White Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “The Grinch,” and more.
The 90-minute concert will feature guest stars Dori Rubbicco, Ian Legge (aka The Punk Cellist), and Abby Casey (the hysterical Reverend Mother in NBFT’s Nunsense). Plus, a “jolly old friend” will also stop by for a special visit!
Whether as part of an outing with family and friends or to get into the holiday spirit, Home for the Holidays is a family fun celebration for all ages.
Home for the Holidays will run for ONE SHOW ONLY at the Steeple Playhouse,
159 William St., New Bedford, Saturday, December 21 at 4 pm.
Tickets may be purchased directly through Steeple Playhouse via the link above.
For more information about this show please call (508) 991-5212.
The Steeple Playhouse is fully handicapped accessible. Parking is available in two adjacent parking lots (with handicapped spaces), as well as free street parking.
Erin Ban is happy to be home on the South Coast after spending 12 years performing in NYC and around the country. Erin first joined New Bedford Festival Theatre as an Apprentice, then went on to perform in several productions including THE SOUND OF MUSIC as the Baroness and LES MISERABLES as Fantine, and is now thrilled to be Vice President of NBFT’s Board of Directors. Erin holds a BA in Theatre and Speech from Wagner College, where she met her husband (and fellow NBFT Board Member) Matt Ban.
Matt Ban is most known for playing Dennis DuPree in ROCK OF AGES (Broadway, off-Broadway Revival, National Tour). Other theater credits include MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT (National Tour), MATILDA (Miss Trunchbull, Regional Premier), NEXT TO NORMAL, OKLAHOMA and many more. TV: "Orange is the New Black" (Netflix, series finale), "Madam Secretary" (CBS), "Crashing" (HBO/Max), Deadly Devotions (ID). Matt is also an accomplished voiceover artist having been featured on numerous cartoons, commercials, and guided tours across the world. Erin and Matt have also developed a successful cabaret act and have sold out shows in NYC and across the Northeast. As an educator, Matt has worked with students from Kindergarten up through college, and is currently teaching voice lessons at New Bedford’s Stage Artistry Studios. But, above all these accomplishments, Matt is proudest to be husband to the amazing Erin and Dad to Ruby and Claire.
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.