How The Zeiterion Is Honoring First Responders and Veterans With a Free Night of Bill Murray Comedy

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The Zeiterion has been packed with Bill Murray fans every Monday so far this month – and even once with Murray himself in the house – but the New Bedford performing arts center is hoping to fill the house for its next screening for an even greater reason.

The Z’s Bill Murray Movie Monday Marathon continues on August 24 with the 1981 comedy classic Stripes, and free tickets are being offered to all first responders, U.S. service members and veterans.

The Murray flicks shown so far – What About Bob?, Caddyshack and Ghostbusters – have been filling up the newly-renovated theater each Monday. Penny Pimentel, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for the Zeiterion, said there were about 400 people at this past Monday’s showing of Ghostbusters.

READ MORE: Bill Murray Shocks New Bedford With Surprise Zeiterion Appearance

“That’s a high water mark,” she said, noting it’s probably the closest the Zeiterion has come to equaling the number of theatergoers it sees for screenings of Jaws, the most popular film shown at the Z. “It was a great crowd for Ghostbusters. It was very satisfying.”

Sony Pictures Entertainment via YouTube

What to Expect When Bill Murray Enlists in Stripes

Stripes is the story of John Winger (Murray) and Russell Ziskey (Murray’s Ghostbusters co-star Harold Ramis), two slackers whose prospects are so limited that they enlist in the U.S. Army.

They run afoul of Drill Sergeant Hulka, fall in love with two female MPs, and hilarity ensues.

The film also features John Candy, Sean Young, and future Night Court star John Larroquette. Plus, you’ll never hear “Doo Wah Diddy” quite the same way ever again.

READ MORE: Inside the Zeiterion's Viral Bill Murray Cutout Tour

The Zeiterion staff figured who better to be in the audience for a military-themed comedy than active duty members and veterans? That’s why they’re being offered free tickets, as well as first responders such as police, fire and EMTs.

How First Responders and Veterans Can Claim Free Tickets

In order to take advantage of the offer, those who qualify can claim their free ticket to Stripes by visiting the Zeiterion website and using the promo code AMERICANS at checkout. You can also call (508) 994-2900, or visit the box office in person at 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford Wednesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., or two hours before ticketed events and one hour before movie showtimes.

Wrapping Up the Bill Murray Movie Marathon at The Z

The Bill Murray Movie Monday Marathon concludes on August 31 with Groundhog Day. No word yet on if groundhogs will be offered free tickets for that one.