Take 5 with Alex Lonati, Director of The Counter

Alex Lonati is making her Umbrella directorial debut with this fall's season opener, the award-winning play The Counter by Meghan Kennedy.

After a first read-through that resulted in both laughter and misty eyes, Alex "took five" with us to preview this fresh play that follows an unexpected, life-changing (and ultimately life-affirming) friendship.

What's appealing to you about the narrative and emotional life of The Counter?

I think this play is, at its core, about taking control of your own life. While the characters in the piece come from very different backgrounds, they’re both running away from something. And they connect over their shared longing (conscious or not) of taking active charge and making their life what they want it to be. I find that enormously relatable, because at the end of the day, we all just have this one life and it’s up to us to live it the way we want to live it.

What is it about this play that makes it something audiences will appreciate seeing now?

There is something so tender and so gentle about this play, and quite frankly that's what I think a lot of us need right now. It's a play about unexpected friendship - about recognizing a kindred spirit in someone and building a relationship when you really need it, whether you recognize it or not. And while there is a lot of depth and complexity to this show, it’s also full of compassion and kindness and love. It feels like a hot cup of coffee and a big hug.

What can you tell us about how space and design will help tell this story and/or shape the audience experience?

This place takes place entirely in a small local diner, so the intimacy of this black box theater is perfect for the storytelling. The audience will feel like they’re customers in the café, there with the characters, watching the drama unfold. I hope this will add to the truth and realism of the piece!

What most surprised or delighted you about the recent rehearsals for The Counter?

I couldn’t say more positive things about this room of artists if I tried. This team is small but mighty, and everyone seems so happy to be together, telling a story that has so much heart. We’ve been doing so much storytelling, so much laughing, so much connecting – I am sure the audience will feel the truth in the relationships they see on stage, because we’ve had such unbridled joy in the room!

This is your first time directing an Umbrella mainstage! What can audiences expect from your directorial style? What passion or practices are a hallmark of your craft?

I think the main element of my directorial style that I’m bringing this project (and that I hope to bring to every project) is a people-first mentality. As artists, we are asked to bring ourselves to every piece, and I believe we can only do our best, most meaningful work if our humanity and lived experiences are celebrated and prioritized. For me, that means finding the joy, the laughter, and the connection in the work every day. I hope that audiences love this show and that it sparks conversations afterwards – but I also hope everyone onstage and off can feel the joy that went into experiencing and creating it.