New Bedford Actor Hopes to Open at the Hollywood Bowl

As an actor, New Bedford native Brandon Alberto is accomplished, multitalented and no stranger to the SouthCoast theatre scene.

He was terrific in New Bedford Festival Theatre's production of Hairspray, and Guys and Dolls at the Ocean State Theatre Company. Alberto toured different countries in the national productions of Legally Blonde, Shrek the Musical and Kinky Boots.

These days, he's writing and producing his own music, and recently released his debut single "Shame Shame" with an accompanying music video, available on all the streaming platforms.

Get our free mobile app

Now, Alberto needs a helping hand to accomplish his next conquest.

"I've been selected to compete to open up for some of the biggest pop artists, at the Hollywood Bowl in October, and I need the SouthCoast's help, because the luck of the draw is based on the public's voting," he said.

The name of the competition is "Opening Act." Each person can vote for Alberto once a day, everyday until August 26, when the first round of voting ends, using a Facebook login.

"It comes down to, the more votes I get, the better my chances to move ahead in the competition," he said. The winner with the most votes wins a grand prize of $10,000, and the opportunity to perform at the Hollywood Bowl, as well as meeting some of the movers and shakers of the industry.

"If I get this, it will give me the opening to put myself and my music in front of people who could help propel my career to the next level," Alberto said, noting he's very grateful that the SouthCoast community has had his back all these years. "As I've performed around the world, I take pride in telling everyone that I'm from New Bedford, Massachusetts."

Alberto summarized that "It takes a village, and it's so important to me to have the support of my hometown."

You can enter your vote, once a day, at Opening Act's website. Links to Alberto's voting page and his upcoming projects can also be found on all his social media channels such as on Facebook and Instagram.

"It would mean the world to me to have your vote," Alberto said.

21 Famous People You Didn't Know Were From the SouthCoast

Move over Hollywood, you're not the only town that breeds stars. We've compiled a list of some famous people that either are native to the SouthCoast, or eventually called it home.

21 Famous People You Didn't Know Were From the SouthCoast

Move over Hollywood, you're not the only town that breeds stars. We've compiled a list of some famous people that either are native to the SouthCoast, or eventually called it home.