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The lights are back on at the Z, and the doors are reopening. After 18 months of restoration, the historic theater is in full swing with an inaugural season that is both familiar and new. Music, comedy, dance, film, and storytelling bring a new spark to the iconic building.
From mainstage shows to speakeasy events and classic films, the winter lineup feels like a return home for artists and audiences alike.
More from this series:
◉ Follow us @newbedfordlight on social media with the hashtag #zeiterionreopens for live coverage of the Jan. 17 grand re-opening.
January
Mainstage
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Big Night, Bright Lights! The Z’s Grand Reopening
Tickets: $39, $59, $79 or $99, plus fees.
The Z reopens with a spectacular showcase hosted by comedian Dulcé Sloan, featuring the NBSO, New Bedford Festival Theatre, and guest artists across music, dance, and spoken word.
Saturday, Jan. 24, 8 p.m.
Get the Led Out
Tickets: $39, $49, $59 or $69, plus fees.
Get the Led Out is back with a strong performance that captures the essence of Led Zeppelin live on stage.
Speakeasy
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m.
Member Night: Classic Rock Trivia
Tickets: Free
Member Nights at The Z are designed to build community among Z members. This is a fun way to connect outside of performances.
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m.
Dance Barre: MOMIX
Tickets: Free
A short barre style movement class inspired by the upcoming performance MOMIX: Alice, a contemporary dance and illusion show based on Alice in Wonderland.
Tours
Friday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m.
Zeiterion Monthly Tours
Tickets: Pay what you can.
Tour the restored building, from the Speakeasy to the 1923 auditorium, with behind-the-scenes insight and theater history. Tours are “pay what you can,” with options of $0, $5, $15, or $25.
February
Mainstage
Thursday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m.
MOMIX: Alice
Tickets: $29, $39, $49 or $59, plus fees.
MOMIX brings a whimsical take on “Alice in Wonderland,” blending illusion, acrobatics, and playful movement.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m.
The Commodores
Tickets: $69, $79, $89 or $119, plus fees.
The Commodores perform decades of Motown and R&B hits, led by founding member William King alongside Cody Orange. Prime seating includes a post-performance afterglow with light bites and a signature drink.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m.
STOMP
Tickets: $39, $49, $59, $69 or $79, plus fees.
STOMP is an explosive and playful performance that transforms everyday objects into high-energy percussion.
Sunday, Feb. 22, 4 p.m.
Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque
Tickets: $29, $39, $49 or $59, plus fees.
Cirque Kalabanté celebrates African culture through powerful movement, live music, and gravity-defying acrobatics. Afrique en Cirque draws inspiration from everyday life in Guinea and features Afro-jazz, percussion, and kora on stage.
Thursday, Feb. 26, 8 p.m.
Direct from Sweden: The Music of ABBA
Tickets: $39, $49, $59 or $69, plus fees.
Direct from Sweden: The Music of ABBA is a live concert that closely mirrors ABBA’s sound and style, performed with 100 percent live vocals and instrumentation. The show features song favorites such as “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Waterloo.”
Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
DakhaBrakha
Tickets: $29, $39, $49 or $59, plus fees.
DakhaBrakha blends traditional Ukrainian folk with global rhythms, creating a bold and genre-defying performance. The quartet pairs layered vocals, driving percussion, and striking visuals with cultural activism that raises awareness of Ukraine.
Speakeasy
Thursday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m.
AHA Jazz Jam
Tickets: Free
Saxophonist and music educator Emmanuel Manny Escobar hosts free, open jam sessions during AHA! Nights. Musicians, vocalists, and listeners are welcome to play along or simply listen.
Movie Mondays
Tickets: $12
Save $10 when you bundle five Movie Mondays tickets in a single purchase using the code MOVIE5.
Monday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m.
Groundhog Day (1993) — Rated PG
Monday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.
The Lion King (1994) — Rated G
Monday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m.
The Sound of Music (1965) — Rated G
Tours
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m.
Zeiterion Monthly Tours
Tickets: Pay what you can
Tour the newly restored theater from the Speakeasy to the 1923 auditorium, with behind-the-scenes insight and theater history. Tours are “pay what you can,” with options of $0, $5, $15, or $25.
March
NBSO is a Resident Company of The Zeiterion.
Saturday, March 14, 7:30 p.m.
New Bedford Symphony Orchestra: Boldness Unbound
Tickets: $30, $55, $70 or $80, plus fees.
Yaniv Dinur conducts a rhythm-driven program featuring percussionist Cynthia Yeh including Avner Dorman’s “Eternal Rhythm” and Charles Ives’ “Symphony No. 2.”
Stage Door Live!
Thursday, March 5, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Isaac Mizrahi (two shows)
Tickets: $55 or $65, plus fees.
Isaac Mizrahi brings sharp wit, music, and performance to Stage Door, backed by a top-tier jazz band. The show blends comedy and musical flair and contains adult content.
Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Meow Meow (two shows)
Tickets: $55 or $65, plus fees.
International songstress and comedienne Meow Meow brings her fearless mix of music and comedy, backed by her band. The performance contains adult content.
Mainstage
Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m.
In the Whale: The Greatest Fish Story Ever Told (with director David Abel)
Tickets: $15, plus fees.
A screening of “In the Whale: The Greatest Fish Story Ever Told” is followed by a Q&A with filmmaker David Abel, exploring the true story of Provincetown diver Michael Packard.
Thursday, March 19, 7:30 p.m.
The Moth Mainstage: American Dreams
Tickets: $29, $39, $49 or $59, plus fees.
The Moth features five storytellers sharing true stories about the promise and reality of the American Dream.
Friday, March 20, 8 p.m.
Marlon Wayans
Tickets: $39, $49, $59 or $69, plus fees.
Marlon Wayans brings his stand-up comedy to the Z for one night. His routine blends sharp social commentary with personal stories. This performance contains adult content.
Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m.
Live from Laurel Canyon
Tickets: $25, $35 or $45, plus fees.
“Live From Laurel Canyon” pairs live music and storytelling inspired by the folk-rock scene of the 1960s and ’70s, featuring songs by artists such as Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and the Eagles.
Sunday, March 29, 2 p.m.
The Lodger
Tickets: $45, plus fees.
The Z’s restored Mighty Wurlitzer Organ returns with a live score for Alfred Hitchcock’s silent thriller “The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog.” Members of the American Theatre Organ Society accompany the film.
Movie Mondays
Monday, March 9, 7 p.m.
The Shining (1980) — Rated R
Tickets: $12
Monday, March 16, 7 p.m.
Purple Rain (1984) — Rated R
Tickets: $12.
Monday, March 23, 7 p.m.
Jennifer’s Body (2009) — Rated R
Tickets: $12.
Monday, March 30, 2 p.m.
All About Eve (1950) — No Rating
Tickets: $12.
Monday, March 30, 7 p.m.
Shaft (1971) — Rated R
Tickets: $12.
Speakeasy
Thursday, March 12, 6 p.m.
AHA Jazz Jam
Tickets: Free.
Saxophonist and music educator Emmanuel Manny Escobar hosts free, open jam sessions during AHA! Nights. Musicians, vocalists, and listeners are welcome to play along or simply listen.
Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m.
Dance Barre: Step Afrika
Tickets: Free
This Speakeasy brings dance enthusiasts together for a guided conversation exploring the history, technique, and creative ideas behind Step Afrika‘s upcoming performance.
Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 p.m.
Member Night: Broadway Bingo
Tickets: Free
Z members can connect at Member Night: Broadway Bingo, featuring song titles from popular musicals. The first card is free, additional cards are $2, and winners receive a $10 Zeiterion gift card.
Tours
Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m.
Zeiterion Monthly Tours
Tickets: Pay what you can
Tour the newly restored theater from the Speakeasy to the 1923 auditorium, with behind-the-scenes insight and theater history. Tours are “pay what you can,” with options of $0, $5, $15, or $25.
For more 2026 Zeiterion listings, visit https://www.zeiterion.org/events.
Email Toni Delgado-Green at tdgreen@newbedfordlight.org.
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