New Bedford’s Zeiterion Lights Up Again With a Historic Marquee

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The 21st century version of New Bedford’s beloved historic theater is finally complete, as the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center now has the long-awaited return of its marquee.

The Zeiterion posted on its Facebook page today that Poyant Signs is in the process of finishing up the installation of the marquee.

A Marquee Missing for Generations

The theater has not had a marquee on the building’s exterior “since the mid-20th century,” according to the Zeiterion.

Designed to Match the Zeiterion’s Historic Roots

The new marquee being installed as part of the Z’s $37 million renovation project is considered “historically appropriate,” looking like it would be right at home on the building’s facade on the original Opening Night on April 2, 1923.

Modern Technology Meets Classic Theater Style

However, something the Zeitz Brothers might never have imagined are the digital boards on each side of the marquee, allowing for fully customizable and multiple messages to be displayed. The days of someone getting up on a ladder and moving around letters to announce each night’s performance are long gone.

READ MORE: What Was the Zeiterion's Very First Show?

Also, having bright, energy-efficient LED signage is a lot more cost effective in the 2020s than the dozens of light bulbs that would have surrounded the marquee in the 1920s.

So for the first time in generations, those performing at the Zeiterion will get to see their name up in lights.

A Grand Reopening After 19 Months of Construction

The Zeiterion reopened on January 17 after 19 months of construction, completely renovating the interior of the theater, lobby and other spaces around the building, including a new member’s lounge on the second floor and a speakeasy lounge in the basement.

Remember how things used to look? Check out our galleries of the progress of the Z's renovation.