The Cabot's 'Big Night' Features Jay Leno and Honors SV Design and Principal, Thad Siemasko

Beverly, MA -The Cabot is excited to announce that critically acclaimed late night TV host and comedian Jay Leno will be this year’s featured performer for “The Cabot’s Big Night” annual gala fundraising event on Saturday, May 11 beginning at 7:30PM.

This year’s event will act as the official launch of the last phase of The Cabot’s capital campaign, and to support The Cabot’s mission to preserve the historic Cabot theater and bring vibrancy to the community. The last phase of the capital campaign will focus on exciting exterior renovations to the theater, fully establishing the iconic building’s status as a cultural anchor in downtown Beverly and the North Shore.

Honorees to be recognized include Thad Siemasko and architecture and interior design firm, SV Design, of which Thad is its principal and founder. Siemasko and SV Design have contributed countless hours of work helping renovate the theater since Siemasko helped revive The Cabot alongside the four other “Founders” in 2014.

“We couldn't be more thrilled about Big Night 2024 and the prospect of bringing our community together once again. The Cabot has always been about more than just entertainment; it's about fostering a sense of unity and shared experience,” said J. Casey Soward, Executive Director of The Cabot. “Jay's unparalleled comedic talent and charisma will undoubtedly make this event an unforgettable evening as we gather not only in celebration of our progress in upgrading The Cabot, but in celebration of our North Shore community.”

Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist…Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.” Jay Leno’s late night television ratings domination included two decades as the host of the #1- rated “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” – after the first two years, Jay Leno never lost a single ratings year in which he served as host. Leno currently produces and is host of the CNBC primetime series “Jay Leno’s Garage” now in its seventh season.

VIP tickets and sponsorships are currently available for purchase, which will include access to a lavish private party prior to the show and premium seats for the performance. If available, there will be a limited number of seats on sale to the public for this event. For these tickets, there will be a presale for Cabot Club members, and if available, tickets will go on sale to the general public in January 2024.

Architecture and interior design firm, SV Design, and its Principal and Founder, Thaddeus S Siemasko, will be recognized at Big Night 2024 for their extraordinary contributions to the renovation and design of the historic Cabot Theater.

The Cabot was saved from an unknown future in 2014 by its founders Henry Bertolon, Bill Howard, Rich Marino, Thad Siemasko, and Paul Van Ness. At that time, the building needed major structural and aesthetic upgrades. Thad and others at SV Design got right to work with their trademark commitment to creating exceptional designs with attention to timeless and functional style.

The Cabot’s amazing transformation over the past nine years is a result of countless hours and donated services from Thad and his team, most notably – Architect and Associate, Stefano Basso in conjunction with Windover Construction and general contractor, Sandra Cook, of Tiro Design.

Thad’s humor and passion have been evident every step of the way as The Cabot has embarked on a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation to not only restore parts of the theater to its original 1920s grandeur, but to upgrade and modernize all current systems to better enhance the live experience. This has included replacement of all theater seating, opera box restoration, new sound and stage lighting systems, new heating and air conditioning, the completion of the lobby renovation and restoration of the original rose window, and most recently, the installation of an elevator and other accessibility improvements.

Thad is an architect extraordinaire, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, an enthusiastic cyclist, an animated basketball player, and a Beverly resident who plays an active role in the North Shore community. He has positively impacted our region by serving on local boards, including The Cabot’s Board of Directors, and formerly as President of the Rotary Club.

About The Cabot
For a century, The Cabot in Beverly has been a local treasure, a dream palace at the heart of the downtown, and a welcoming gathering place for generations of North Shore residents. Originally known as The Ware, this opulent, neoclassical-style theater was built in 1920 by the renowned architectural firm Funk & Wilcox. Originally used for vaudeville shows and silent movies, it was later owned by the movie chain E.M. Loews. In 1976, The Cabot was purchased by Le Grand David and his own Spectacular Magic Company, and for the next 36 years was home to this world-famous magic show. The Cabot is now being transformed into a 21st century venue for audiences of all ages, with nationally recognized live performers, current and classic movies and community events. Since its reopening in November 2014, The Cabot is once again a vital part of the North Shore's artistic life. The Cabot celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020. Visit https://thecabot.org.