The Off Broadway Players to host “Imagine the Possibilities” showcase during the Autumn Festival
By Michael Strawderman
In 2021, the Town of Broadway purchased the building at 131 South Main Street with the intent of renovating it into a community event center, similar to The Sipe Center in Bridgewater. Built in 1927, the building originally served as both the cafeteria (bottom floor) and auditorium/gymnasium (top floor) for the original consolidated Broadway School. While the rest of the old school was razed in the late 1970’s, this building remains, waiting to play a vital role in the revitalization of Broadway’s economy and, at the same time, become a valuable asset to the community. Sadly, the plans for such an ambitious project have been put on hold indefinitely. 
As the town’s resident community theater, the Off Broadway Players (OBP) would love to not only make the building their permanent home stage for future productions but also share it with many other exciting venues. Imagine a permanent indoor venue in the heart of downtown Broadway that could host musical acts, bands, touring groups, and movies (just to name a few) while, at the same time, drawing visitors to our town and generating additional revenue for local businesses. So, in an effort to inspire local residents and generate support for getting the initial idea of an event center back on track, the OBP will be hosting an “Imagine the Possibilities” showcase during the town’s Autumn Festival (September 13). Consider it a small sampling of the immense possibilities that this building could offer to our town. Throughout the day of the festival, various performance groups will be performing behind the old Broadway School, about a block south of the festival’s classic car show on Main Street. For those unfamiliar with the building, it’s the one that sits on the opposite end of the park from the town offices and diagonally across the street from The Gobbler Grill. Here’s a sneak peek at the performance line-up:
9:00 a.m.: “Improv Live!”
Members of the Off Broadway Players will present Improv Live! a showcase of improvised comedy sketches. Unlike traditional scripted theatre, comedy improvisation is a type of performance where the actors totally make up the script as they go along. In fact, many of the routines even allow the audience to provide input on the types of characters or plot lines that will be developed onstage. Similar to the TV show, Whose Line Is It, Anyway? and featuring a mix of both new and veteran actors from the Off Broadway Players, Improv Live! promises to be a fun time for everyone, both onstage and in the audience!
11:00 a.m.: “Striking Accord”
Striking Accord is a dynamic men’s vocal ensemble based in the Shenandoah Valley, captivating audiences with their rich harmonies and versatile repertoire. Performing entirely a cappella, the group brings to life an impressive range of choral music—from the intricate beauty of the Renaissance to the grandeur of classical works, and even the fresh energy of contemporary and pop arrangements. With artistry, precision, and a shared passion for vocal excellence, Striking Accord offers performances that are both timeless, engaging, and appealing to music lovers of all generations.
1:00 p.m.: “Just Jazzin’”
Just Jazzin’ is a community big band based in the Shenandoah Valley. Started in 2000 to give EMU alumni and community members an outlet to make music, Just Jazzin’ plays in a variety of settings from concerts and dances to worship services. The band plays music from classic big bands like Benny Goodman and Count Basie, and from singers as diverse as Helen O’Connell, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra. It also plays music from more contemporary big bands and frequently performs arrangements and original compositions by its members.
So come on out and show your support for our local performers and enjoy their free performances during the Autumn Festival on September 13th. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the exhibits on the building’s history and the architectural drawings and models for the proposed event center. Better yet, take a peek inside of the building and “Imagine the Possibilities.”
