Umbrella’s 2025-26 theater season to convey ‘courage, heart, and hope’
Offerings include an award-winning area premiere, a revisited classic, and two musicals that celebrate the power of art.
An award-winning area premiere, a revisited classic, and two musicals that celebrate the power of art will be offered during The Umbrella Stage Company’s 2025-26 theater season.
Together they represent “a vibrant showcase of courage, heart, and hope,” says Umbrella spokesperson Stewart Ikeda.
The Boston-area premiere of Meghan Kennedy’s “The Counter” kicks off the season (September 26-November 9) in the Black Box. The story of a retired firefighter and a diner server who develop a life-affirming friendship will be directed by Alex Lonati in her Umbrella debut.
“The Counter” will run in rotation with “Tick, Tick…Boom!” (October 10-November 23), which will be on the Main Stage. Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning (“Rent”) Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical rock musical follows an aspiring composer who questions his life choices but ultimately creates a Broadway blockbuster. Norton Award-winner Ilyse Robbins will direct.
Also on the Main Stage, three-time Norton Award-winning director Scott Edmiston will lead a new production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” (February 27 to March 22). The drama explores prejudice, compassion, and the courage to do what is right. It re-examines Harper Lee’s classic novel, adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel.
“Hairspray,” (April 24 to May 17), which the Umbrella describes as “an inspiring romp for anyone who’s ever been a teen with a dream,” will be presented on the Main Stage. Najee Brown, choreographer for recent Umbrella productions of “The Color Purple” and “The Full Monty,” will direct the musical, which is based on John Waters’ cult classic movie.
The center’s Director of Performing Arts, Brian Boruta, says that each production “features deeply moving characters yearning for something bigger, better, or brighter — whether that be dreams, joy, or justice.”
Their struggle and determination, he adds, are reminders “of the impact we can have on each other’s lives, the importance of doing what’s right, and the power of pursuing something greater.”
Besides its theater productions, The Umbrella will partner with Firebird Pops Orchestra to offer its Holiday Pops program (December 12 to 14); two more concerts spotlighting emerging artists, in partnership with Salt Lick Incubator, a non-profit artist development organization supporting aspiring musicians; and a fourth installment of its series that has featured such Broadway headliners as Laura Benanti, Jeremy Jordan, and Titus Burgess.
For more information on the 2025-26 Umbrella Stage Company season, visit theumbrellaarts.org.
