Photos: Courtesy of Peter Romagna
It may seem like Provincetown wears its heart on its glittery sleeve, but there are indeed secrets tucked all over town. It could be a fabulous garden, a cute cluster of cottages, or a piece of land art in a quiet clearing in the woods. But there’s a new hush-hush club in the far West End designed to entertain right from the door. Within the historic Provincetown Inn, the Keyhole, a new cabaret modeled after the Prohibition speakeasies, requires a secret password to get in. Don’t worry. This isn’t the ferocious velvet rope of Studio 54, but rather a playful concept developed by Tori McClain and Peter Romagna who designed most every element of this brand-new venture. Tori and Peter took some time to chat with Provincetown Magazine about how they became chums, the entertainment they’re bringing down to 1 Commercial Street, and just how to find out the password to get in to the Keyhole.
Provincetown Magazine: Tell us all about the Keyhole over at the Provincetown Inn. What’s the vibe like?
Tori McClain: The Keyhole is about bringing back the magic of discovery. We wanted to create a place that feels like you’ve stumbled into a hidden speakeasy, where live entertainment and great cocktails bring people together. When guests walk through the door, we want them to feel like they’ve stepped into another era. It’s an intimate cabaret with Prohibition-inspired cocktails and live entertainment just a few feet away. Whether it’s Broadway-caliber singers, drag, comedy, piano, or cabaret, every performance is up close and personal. You’re not just watching the show. You’re part of it. My hope is that people leave feeling like they’ve discovered one of Provincetown’s best kept secrets.
Peter Romagna: The Keyhole feels like stepping into a hidden gem from another era. The room is crafted almost entirely from upcycled and repurposed materials discovered throughout the Provincetown Inn. Built in 1925, the hotel is home to a remarkable collection of original art deco and Prohibition-era furniture, artwork, and décor, all thoughtfully designed within the mahogany-lined room. The result is an elevated, exclusive experience where vintage elegance meets world-class entertainment.
PM: Who is performing at the Keyhole this summer?
TM: One of the things I’m most excited about is that no two nights will ever be the same. You’ll see a mix of Provincetown favorites, Broadway veterans, cabaret artists, comics, burlesque performers, and some very special surprise guests. We want the lineup to feel a little unexpected. The idea is that people come back not just because they loved what they saw, but because they’re curious about who might walk through the Keyhole next. We will post the weekly/nightly lineup on our social media accounts (Instagram @thekeyholeptown) which has to be followed to gain access.
PM: Tell us about your backgrounds in performance?
TM: I ‘m a vocalist, writer, and producer, and I love bringing those pieces together to create live entertainment. Whether I’m on stage performing or behind the scenes developing a new show or venue, my goal is to create experiences that connect with people and give them a great night out. I’m also passionate about creating opportunities for other artists. One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is giving performers a space to share their work and a platform to connect with new audiences. For me, that’s really what the Keyhole is all about.
PR: I’ve been performing since I was a kid. I studied musical theater in Boston before spending a decade in New York City as a working actor. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to perform in everything from national tours and regional theater to cruise ships and countless cabaret and concert engagements. As a cabaret singer, I’ve been fortunate to perform at some of New York’s most iconic venues, including the Birdland Jazz Club, 54 Below, The Duplex, and the Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel. Those intimate, sophisticated rooms inspired so much of what we’re creating at The Keyhole. It’s our love letter to the classic New York cabaret experience: elegant, welcoming, and centered around unforgettable live entertainment.
For more on the Keyhole call 508.487.9500 or visit provincetowninn.com.
