The Counter at The Umbrella Arts Center

The Umbrella Arts Center proudly presents the Boston-area premiere of The Counter, a riveting new play by acclaimed playwright Meghan Kennedy, directed by Alex Lonati. This production will run Sep 26-Nov 9, 2025, transforming the intimate Black Box space into a prism for a surprising, funny and moving reflection on the everyday connections that can change our lives.

This heartwarming play follows the unlikely connection between Paul, a retired firefighter who goes every morning to the same small town diner, and Katie, who’s always there to pour the coffee. After many months of small talk across the counter, the sharing of one secret grows into a deeply meaningful, life-affirming friendship—shocking both Paul and Katie into embracing the hopes and joys born of basic human connection. This award-winning play is a surprising and moving meditation on the everyday connections that can change our lives.

Shows run Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30PM, Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM. A special KidCare Show on Oct 5 will allow parents an opportunity to attend a matinee performance while their child(ren) ages 5-12 engage in art activities inspired by the show in one of The Umbrella's classrooms with an experienced teacher.

Dinner & A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances. A Talk Back is scheduled following the Oct 19 performance. 

The play will run in rotation with The Umbrella’s production of Tick, Tick…Boom! on its mainstage Theater144 from Oct. 10 through Nov. 23.

Authors

• Meghan Kennedy