Off Cabot Broadway Bar: A Monthly Celebration of Music and Community

There’s no place like home - Dorothy Gale (Wizard of Oz).

Off Cabot Theatre held its monthly Broadway Bar open mic on November 4. Broadway Bar has been a popular music event for musical theater fans on the North Shore since 2018 when Lianne Bunting, Thomas Smoker, and Jacyn Tremblay started it.

This was my first time attending an Off Cabot event and I immediately felt welcomed into this vibrant space. Off Cabot, located in Beverly, MA, is a small theater that hosts live music, comedy shows, and various entertainment events for the community.

Broadway Bar bases its themes on suggestions or monthly themes. November’s theme was home, surrounding songs about family, home, friends, and belonging. “These songs make you feel happy,” Smoker explained when the lights dimmed. Another reason why Smoker and Tremblay created this theater cabaret was to feature local theater performers.

Aaron Green, Alix Bigley, and Michael Hanley performed a cabaret of familiar Broadway songs. They selected songs that evoked personal or emotional connections to the concept of ‘home.’ The trio was excellent in each piece, studying the meaning behind them.

The roster included a wide range of melodies that spoke from the heart. Songs included ‘If I Ruled the World,’ ‘Right Hand Man,’ and ‘All I Ever Wanted,’ a song from the underrated animated film (now musical) The Prince of Egypt. I did not know this was a musical and want to see it now. I also enjoyed a rendition of ‘All Alone in the Universe’ from the popular show Seussical.

One of the most memorable songs of the evening was ‘How Glory Goes,’ performed by Aaron Green. This tune originated from the musical Floyd Collins by Adam Guetell. Green is currently in the military and wanted to find a theatre community. A year ago he found Broadway Bar and found his second home. He enriched audiences with a passionate song and truly embraced it.

The audience played a big part in the experience. A few audience members had the chance to sing songs of their own, which was my favorite aspect. It allowed them to share personal songs that meant a lot to them. ‘Almost Paradise’ and ‘Spoonful of Sugar’ stood out as fantastic numbers.

What does home mean? The theme of ‘home’ resonated deeply with the audience. As Smoker joked, ‘When you think about home, you think about pies and friends.” The definition of ‘home’ differs among people, but most agreed it was friends or family who defined it.

I love paying attention to the audience's reaction in any entertainment event. So many smiles lit up in this beautiful theater. With stressful events occurring in the world right now, the audience needed a night to refresh their minds with healing music.

The Off Cabot theatre makes the perfect setting for the Broadway Bar. With its cozy and stylish interior, the space feels like a hidden gem where the arts are celebrated in an intimate setting. The decor and lighting complement the evening, adding to the sense of warmth and relaxation that defines the Broadway Bar experience.

Off Cabot is a lovely and open space that allows creative expression. You can get a drink or a snack from the bar to enjoy shows. This place is not just about entertainment; it’s about building community. It’s a place to connect, to enjoy the arts, and it feels like home.

For anyone who loves Broadway or simply enjoys a night out to listen to music, this monthly gathering is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. I cannot wait to attend the next Broadway Bar and more events to come at Off Cabot.