🎭 Get ready to laugh, spell, and sing along at this special First Fridays event! The New Bedford Whaling Museum and New Bedford Festival Theatre are teaming up for a lively sneak peek of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee—the hilarious, heartfelt, and Tony Award-winning musical comedy.

🎶 Enjoy live performances of standout songs from the show, featuring a stellar cast of local and regional talent. Feeling bold? You might even be invited to jump in and show off your spelling (and improv!) chops on stage.

After the preview, stick around for a festive cocktail reception in the Museum’s gallery spaces. Mingle with the cast, enjoy complimentary lite bites, and grab a drink from the cash bar. It’s the perfect way to kick off your August—with music, laughter, and community spirit.

Doors Open: 5:30 PM

Performance Begins: 6:00 PM

Reception: 6:30–7:30 PM

Featured Cast: Alex Richter · Katya Sacharow · Molly Dupre Ren Acevedo · Shawn T. Simmons · Samuel Wright George Kippenhan · Erin Ban · Marcos Mendoza-Cabrera

About the Hosts: This dynamic collaboration brings together two of New Bedford’s cultural gems: 🔹 The New Bedford Whaling Museum—a world-class destination for maritime heritage, history, and art. 🔹 New Bedford Festival Theatre—the South Coast’s premier professional musical theatre company, known for staging Broadway-caliber productions right here in our community.

Together, we’re making space for joy, creativity, and connection. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of local talent and theatrical magic!