By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
A Sparkling Event
New Bern Masonic Theatre Historic Preservation Foundation, in collaboration with New Bern Theatre Company & Rivertowne Players, announces a brand-new live cabaret dinner theatre event, “The Best of Broadway” on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 6:30pm in the newly renovated Masonic Lodge Banquet Hall!
Come and enjoy an evening of live performances, celebrating the magic of Broadway with New Bern’s brightest stars! The evening will be featuring the spectacular voices of Von Lewis, Abbey Clark, Tyler Griffin, Erika Butters, Ann Marie Byrd, and Jane Dail. This cabaret-style performance will highlight the greatest Broadway shows that audiences know and love, including Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, Cabaret, Wicked, Cats, Anastasia, My Fair Lady, Moulin Rouge, The Producers, Aladdin, Rent, Les Miserables, Bridges of Madison County, Guys and Dolls and more!
This exciting evening will also entice foodies with refined palettes, to incorporate a gourmet dinner catered by Chef Chris Maravelas of Baxter’s 1892, with locally sourced artisan creations. The meal will include butler passed appetizers, a salad with choice of crafted dressings, prime rib with baked potato, chicken cordon bleu with wild mushroom risotto, and blondie brownies with ice cream for dessert.
The $100 ticket includes an evening of live entertainment, dinner and a drink ticket. A cash bar and raffle for season tickets to Rivertowne Players and other items will also be available.
Proceeds of the event benefit the New Bern Masonic Theatre Historic Preservation Foundation building renovation efforts, and its mission to provide leadership and management oversight for the preservation, day-to-day affairs, and long-term strategic vision of their historic building for a variety of educational, entertainment, business and social events.
Tickets are available at nbmtpreservation.org.
At the time of this publication, The Best of Broadway is generously sponsored by Baxter’s 1892, Allen Curtis, Steve and Janna Tyson, and NC Farm Bureau Insurance. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the fundraising event, please email: newbernmasonictheatre@gmail.com.
The following sponsorship levels are available:
• $2500 Broadway Producer
º Logo on promotional materials, social media, posters, tabletops.
º 6 tickets to the event.
• $1500 Broadway Star
º Logo on promotional materials, social media.
º 4 tickets to the event.
• $750 Broadway Patron
º Website and social media recognition.
º 2 tickets to the event
• $250 Broadway Fan
º Website and social media recognition.
New Bern Masonic Theatre Historic Preservation Foundation
Why is the preservation of New Bern Mason’s Hall so important? Dating back to 1809, and on the register of National Historic Places, it is one of the oldest standing buildings in New Bern, and the oldest continually used Masonic building in North Carolina. At one point in time, it was also the oldest operating theatre in the United States! It truly is one of the treasures of the New Bern community and with its significant historical importance, it deserves great care and continual upkeep. The building currently serves many purposes: first and foremost, as the home of St. John’s Lodge No. 3 and the theatre space for Rivertowne Players. But it also provides other leased spaces such as the freshly renovated Banquet Hall and lower level office spaces for organizations like the Veteran Enforcers Motorcycle Association.
St. John’s lodge was originally chartered in 1772, and has been in existence for over 250 years, under the leadership of many famous and influential men. The historic lodge room is spectacular, decorated with frescos dating back to the mid-1800s, with antique furniture and décor that harkens to a very distant past.
Additionally, according to the Foundation’s website, the theatre space served in a variety of ways since its early 19th century opening: “The Masonic Theatre first opened its doors in 1805, at which time it was the cultural center of New Bern. It served as the town’s foremost place for dramatic entertainment, including stage plays, talent benefits, concerts and vaudeville acts. During the Civil War, it was used as a Confederate arsenal and later as a hospital for Union soldiers. In 1917 it was converted into a motion picture theater and remained so until 1974. It was the nation’s oldest continually operating theatre until it closed its doors in December 1974.” Currently, the theatre has returned to its original purpose, staging both plays and musicals under the Rivertowne Players organization.
John VanDyke, Executive Liaison and Member at Large with Rivertowne Players says, “I would like to see the building restored to her original beauty so that she can nurture many generations of Artists. The renovations will help us upgrade the experience for our artists and our audiences alike. Momentum is building and Rivertowne Players wants to partner with the historic Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation to help them achieve our common goal.”
In June 2025, the lodge celebrated the installation of Brother Bradham Bear, celebrating Caleb Bradham, who was the a Past Master and Secretary of St. John’s Lodge No. 3, and of course, the famous creator of Pepsi Cola.
David Daniels, Chairman of the Foundation, says “Throughout my life, I have always tried to be involved in projects or events that are larger than me as an individual. Whether it be a member of a sports team, a law enforcement officer or a member of Saint John’s Masonic Lodge, I have taken great pride in being a part of a team that was able to make a difference in the lives of others. The renovation of the historic Saint John’s Lodge Building, including its wonderful theatre, is no different. Our lodge building and the theatre play a significant part in the history of New Bern and its renovation ensures that the complex will live on and allow others to enjoy and experience all that it has to offer.”