Beverly’s Cabot Performing Arts Center will undergo a revitalization in 2016, with a revamped interior, impressive concert lineup, and new perspectives on the organization’s Board. Executive Director Casey Soward, who joined the non-profit in October of this year, says, “This is an exciting time for the theatre and for the town of Beverly. We’ve received incredible support from the community in response to our vision for a revitalized Cabot.”
The theatre will close on New Year’s Day to launch its extensive renovation, which will involve improvements to the historical building’s floors, carpeting, seating, and stage. “The renovation will add some modern amenities to the theatre without compromising the charm that people love,” says Soward. Upon reopening in early February, the theatre will have updated, more comfortable seats, a more spacious stage to accommodate upcoming performances, and an extended lobby with a dance floor and seating area. The renovation has been funded in part by the theatre’s “Buy A Seat” campaign; for a tax-deductible 500 dollar donation, patrons can ‘purchase’ a seat to be inscribed with a name of their choosing. The campaign has sold 260 seats to date, and Soward hopes to have all 350 orchestra-level seats funded by the New Year.
The Cabot recently unveiled twelve of the theatre’s upcoming musical performances, and will reveal many more throughout year; “We hope to announce big shows every few weeks in 2016,” says Soward. “We plan to create a lineup that caters to many different audiences and people from all walks of life.” Pink Floyd tribute band, The Machine, will kick off the 2016 season on February 5th, followed by acts like Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, John Mayall, Clint Black, the Charlie Daniels Band, and Belinda Carlisle of The Go Go’s. Soward calls the community’s response to the new lineup “very encouraging,” and adds, “We’ve chosen artists that people want to see and engage with, and the ticket sales reflect that.”
The Cabot’s board will also welcome a notable new board member in 2016, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, who resides on the North Shore. O’Connor teamed with another board member, CinemaSalem co-owner Paul Van Ness, to produce a short documentary for the theatre’s website, chronicling the Cabot’s rich architectural history.
To view the documentary, purchase tickets for upcoming shows, or support the theatre, visit thecabot.org.