Off Cabot Combined a Night of Melodies

Melodies, cheering, and laughter filled the Off Cabot theater on Monday, June 2. It was an exciting (and epic) night of open mic, combining the musical groups, Broadway Bar and the Vibrato Bar. It was their grand finale before taking a summer break.

Broadway Bar hosts Leanna Goodwin and Thomas Smoker, and North Shore Voices and Vibrato Bar hosts Kim Lamoureux and Carla Maniscalco-Giovinco welcomed the full house of 150 attendees who came out on a Monday night.

“We’re so glad you’re here to witness the season finale of Broadway Bar and Vibrato Bar,” Smoker happily said. “We’re here for fun!”

Off Cabot was so busy that eventually it became standing room only. Smoker said it was the most they’ve ever had for one of their open mics. There’s no better way to spend a Monday evening than singing and getting together with friends.

And with that, the open mic commenced with Goodwin and Daniel Padgett accompanying on the piano. Several incredible voices echoed on the Off Cabot stage. I was floored by everyone who got up to the mic. The talent and singing were stellar!

People sang a variety of songs from Broadway, opera, and even Elton John. The first song of the evening was a comical rendition of ‘The Whole (Being Dead) Thing’ from the Broadway musical, Beetlejuice. A chorus sat in the audience singing the lyrics with the performer.

More titles included ‘When Will I Be Loved’ by Linda Ronstadt, 'Miss the Mountains,' and a woman’s parody of The Sound of Music, ‘60 Going on 70,’ which echoed world events.

A few opera selections accommodated the evening. I was not expecting to hear opera, a rare choice. There was even an opera quartet of a song from Little Women. Let me say, it was amazing to witness a series of compelling voices. Opera is something we don’t hear every day. This is why we gather together for open mics.

With every song comes a story - my favorite part. Someone sang “A Weekend in New England,” a song by Barry Manilow. Recently, the singer saw a Barry Manilow concert and rejoiced about how it had been fifty years since he saw his first concert with the singer when he was ten years old.

Another singer’s story touched audiences. Treating everyone to ‘As Long as He Needs Me,’ the singer shared how she was supposed to play the role of Nancy in her high school play of Oliver, but due to the pandemic, the show shut down. Five years later, the opportunity came true.

Marblehead Little Theatre had the chance to share a snippet of their upcoming show, Mystic Pizza, happening from June 20 - June 29. The ensemble sang ‘Manic Monday’ and ‘Power of Love.’ They are early into rehearsals, but the cast has already distinguished their close relationships and the play’s themes.

Concord Players also performed their upcoming show, Songs of a New World. It celebrates the 250th anniversary of Concord. “(The song) describes the perfect moment right before you make a big change,” one of the performers said.

Another one of my favorite parts about theater is the audience reaction. The applause and cheering were like a football stadium.

Off Cabot shouts the arts. I always love this vibe when I attend events here. It’s become one of my favorite places to go, not just for the entertainment, but for its cozy and welcoming cabaret-style atmosphere. It’s a place for people to meet up, maybe with friends they haven’t seen in a while. Even if you are there alone, you will find someone to talk to during the evening.

Although Broadway Bar and Vibrato Bar are on their summer break, plenty of fun events are scheduled at Off Cabot. Although a small theater, Off Cabot accommodates every attendee’s passions and interests.